Cancer Covered

The APP Role in Cancer Care: Medical Oncology and Hematology

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:22:40 -0400

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder, you’ll likely meet more than one provider throughout your care. In this episode of Cancer Covered, medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Brian Burnette and nurse practitioner Megan Grimm, DNP, FNP-BC, AOCNP explain how physicians, advanced practice providers and the rest of the care team work together to deliver personalized, compassionate treatment. They discuss the difference between medical oncology and hematology, why nurse practitioners and physician assistants have become essential members of modern cancer care and how collaboration allows patients to receive timely, high-quality treatment close to home. Along the way, they also share how treatment plans evolve, why second opinions are welcomed and the questions they wish more patients felt comfortable asking.

“I always remember Dr. Burnette, saying, ‘There’s a science to oncology, but there’s also an art to oncology,’ and I truly believe that because it isn’t one-size-fits-all.” — Megan Grimm, MSN, APRN, AOCNP

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

The difference between medical oncology and hematology, and why they’re often practiced together.
How physicians and nurse practitioners collaborate throughout diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
Why advanced practice providers help improve access to cancer care while enhancing the patient experience.
Why treatment plans can be adjusted to fit each patient’s goals, needs and quality of life.
The value of asking questions, including when it’s appropriate to seek a second opinion.
How an entire multidisciplinary team works behind the scenes to support patients and families throughout their cancer journey.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

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Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

What Palliative Care for Cancer Really Means

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:33:03 -0400

When people hear the words palliative care, they often assume it means treatment has ended or that hospice is the next step. In this episode, Dr. David Groteluschen, Dr. Tony Jaslowski, and Dr. Alex Coffman explain what palliative care really means, why it can begin at any stage of cancer treatment and how managing symptoms like pain, fatigue, nausea and anxiety helps patients live better throughout their cancer journey. Together, they discuss how palliative care supports both patients and families, improves quality of life and remains an essential part of modern cancer care — not a sign of giving up.

“If anything I give you is going to hurt you more than help you, it’s not giving up. Our goal has changed to: what am I doing for my quality of life?” — Dr. David Groteluschen

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

What palliative care is and how it is different from hospice
Why palliative care can begin at any stage of cancer treatment
How symptom management improves quality of life during treatment
How medical, radiation, surgical and supportive care teams work together to care for patients
Why honest conversations about symptoms lead to better outcomes
How palliative care helps patients and families focus on living well throughout cancer treatment

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

A Conversation with the Kids of Cancer Doctors

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:56:11 -0400

Cancer doctors spend their days caring for patients, but at home they’re also parents, teachers, mentors, and sometimes even karaoke singers. On this episode we sit down with a very special group, the children of several Green Bay Oncology physicians, to hear what it’s like growing up with a cancer doctor as a mom or dad. From favorite family traditions and funny quirks to lessons about perseverance, empathy and showing up for the people you love, these kids offer an honest and heartwarming look at the people behind the white coats. And, they share what makes their parents special, what they’ve learned from watching them care for others and why being a doctor never really stops when the workday ends.

“ He truly does care about his patients, and he will make sure, no matter what, that they’re comfortable. But he always makes sure to spend time with us and to nurture us, and it doesn’t interfere with our family.”

— Ishaan and Riaan Abbi, on their father, Dr. Kamal Abbi

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

What children notice most about their parents’ work caring for patients with cancer
How physicians balance demanding careers with being present for their families
The surprising hobbies, habits and personalities patients may not see in the clinic
What lessons these kids have learned about kindness, perseverance and caring for others
Why empathy and support matter both inside and outside the exam room

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

How Care Lives On: One Family’s Story of Legacy, Loss and Possibility

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:24:56 -0400

A cancer diagnosis affects more than just the patient. It impacts families, shapes relationships and can leave a lasting legacy for future generations. On this episode, Josh and Maggie Frank and medical oncologist Dr. Brian Burnette share the story of Josh’s mother, Patricia, and the choices she made throughout her breast cancer journey. They discuss the importance of patient autonomy, the role hospice played in helping Patricia spend her final weeks surrounded by family and how those experiences continue to influence Maggie as she prepares for a future career in medicine.

“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done and the best thing I’ve ever done, and I wouldn’t change anything about it. It was a gift.”— Josh Frank

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

Why honoring a patient’s wishes is an important part of cancer care
How hospice can improve quality of life for patients and families
What it was like for one family to care for a loved one at home during her final weeks
How clinical trials help advance cancer treatment for future generations
Why personal experiences with cancer often inspire careers in healthcare

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

The APP Role in Cancer Care: Radiation Oncology

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 31 May 2026 17:21:10 -0400

Radiation treatment for cancer requires a team of people who are ready to help patients navigate side effects, recover fully, administer follow-up care and answer all the questions that come along the way. On this episode Taylor Stoffel, PA-C, MPAS and radiation oncologist Dr. Michael Guiou talk about how the radiation oncology team works together to support patients before, during and after treatment. They share the close communication that happens behind the scenes between physicians, physician assistants, nurses, radiation therapists and the broader care team to make sure patients never fall through the cracks, while also exploring how side effects are managed, why long-term follow-up matters and how the team helps patients regain the best quality of life possible after treatment.

“We understand that it’s a really tough journey for you, and we respect that, and we want to be there to support you.”— Dr. Michael Guiou

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

How radiation oncologists and physician assistants work together during treatment and recovery
What kinds of side effects radiation teams monitor most closely
Why follow-up appointments remain important years after treatment
How care teams help patients navigate difficult or uncomfortable questions
What happens behind the scenes to coordinate safe and personalized care

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

CAR T-cell Therapy: From “Dead Man Walking” to Living Proof

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 17 May 2026 09:34:00 -0400

In this episode hematologist-oncologists Dr. Kamal Abbi and Dr. Brad Heraly invite Alan Frey to the studio to discuss how CAR T-cell therapy is changing the future of blood cancer treatment. Alan shares his deeply personal journey battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia, including the moment he realized traditional therapies were no longer working and how CAR T therapy ultimately gave him another chance at life.

“Without CAR T, I wouldn’t be here. It gave me another chance.”— Alan Frey

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:• What CAR T-cell therapy is and how it uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer• How CAR T differs from traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments• Why CAR T therapy is becoming an important option for blood cancer patients• What patients can expect during the CAR T treatment and recovery process• How side effects like cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity are monitored and managed• Why movement, hydration and nutrition play a major role during recovery• How perseverance and mindset can help patients through intensive treatment• Why physicians believe CAR T therapies may continue moving earlier into treatment plans in the future

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

What to Expect During Breast Cancer Surgery & Recovery: Your Care Team Every Step of the Way

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 03 May 2026 09:14:51 -0400

In this episode of Cancer Covered, breast surgical oncologist Dr. Judy Tjoe and nurse practitioner Mikayla Petzke continue their conversation about what patients can expect after surgery and how team-based care helps patients feel supported every step of the way. They explain how preparation before surgery improves recovery afterward, how simple tools like support garments and heart-shaped pillows make a real difference and why ongoing follow-up care remains essential long after treatment ends.

“All patients that come through our doors are always going to be taken care of. We don’t believe in abandonment. I promise that I will be with you every step of the way.”— Mikayla Petzke, NP

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

What patients can expect in the first hours and days after breast cancer surgery
How surgical teams help manage postoperative discomfort at home
Why axillary support pillows can significantly reduce underarm pain after lymph node procedures
How emotional support continues after surgery, even when treatment milestones are complete
What the advanced practice provider role looks like before, during and after surgery
How team-based care improves communication, efficiency and patient confidence
Why survivorship care continues long after surgery is finished
How ongoing access to your surgical team helps patients feel supported through recovery and beyond

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

What to Expect After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Your Surgical Team & First Decisions

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:55:23 -0400

Advanced practice providers play an essential role in helping patients move from diagnosis to treatment with clarity and support. In this episode of Cancer Covered, breast surgical oncologist Dr. Judy Tjoe and nurse practitioner Mikayla Petzke of Green Bay Oncology explain how they work together to guide patients through the early stages of a breast cancer diagnosis and surgical decision-making, helping patients understand their options, process complex information and feel supported from the first phone call through survivorship care.

“Our goal is to minimize the amount of time that the patient feels alone to navigate this new cancer diagnosis.”— Dr. Judy Tjoe

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

How a breast surgical oncologist and nurse practitioner partner to support patients from diagnosis through surgery and follow-up care
Why early outreach after diagnosis helps patients feel more confident and prepared for their first consultation
How informed shared decision making helps patients choose between surgical options that are medically equivalent
What role support people play during consultations and why they’re included from the very beginning
How advanced practice providers can help patients process information and questions after the surgeon leaves the room

Mikayla and Dr. Tjoe bring up the illustrations that Dr. Tjoe does with patients to help explain their cancer diagnosis and what it means for their treatment options. Here are some real examples of what those illustrations look like:

If you liked learning about how Dr. Tjoe and Mikayla work together in caring for breast cancer patients, you may also like:

Patient story: “A 15 Out of 10”: Judy’s Breast Cancer Journey with Dr. Judy Tjoe
Podcast: Dr. Judy Tjoe on Breast Cancer Treatment Innovations and Patient Care

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Is Chemo Worse than Cancer?

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:26:35 -0400

Chemotherapy is one of the most recognized and most feared cancer treatments. In this episode of Cancer Covered, Dr. Edgard Badine, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Matthew Ryan of Green Bay Oncology unpack one of the most common concerns patients share after a diagnosis: is chemotherapy worse than the cancer itself? Together, they explain how modern chemotherapy has changed, why supportive care has dramatically improved the patient experience, and how treatment decisions today are highly personalized to balance effectiveness with quality of life.

“With appropriate use of treatment and supportive care, the quality of life is actually better on treatment than just letting an advanced cancer grow unchecked.”— Dr. Matthew Ryan

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

Why fears about chemotherapy are often shaped by outdated experiences from decades ago
How modern anti-nausea medications, dosing strategies, and supportive care have transformed treatment
The difference between chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies and why patients sometimes group them together
How oncologists personalize treatment plans based on cancer type, genetics, and patient priorities
Why saying no to chemotherapy can sometimes be the right medical decision and how doctors help patients weigh that choice thoughtfully

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Is Cancer a Death Sentence?

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:14:48 -0400

Dr. Edgard Badine, Dr. Kamal Abbi and Dr. Matthew Ryan of Green Bay Oncology unpack one of the most common fears patients face after a cancer diagnosis: Is this a death sentence? The physicians discuss why that perception still lingers and how advances in screening, treatment and supportive care have changed what a cancer diagnosis often means today. They also explain how oncologists guide patients through the uncertainty of early visits and why reframing the conversation from fear of death to understanding the plan can help restore a sense of control.

“Maybe it ends in death. But that applies to many diseases. The real question becomes: what’s the plan, and what are we hoping for?”— Dr. Edgard Badine

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

Why the “death sentence” myth persists: How experiences from the 1970s and 1980s—and portrayals in media—continue to shape public perception of cancer today.
How cancer outcomes have improved: From early detection and better imaging to targeted therapies and immunotherapy, physicians discuss the advances that have significantly lowered cancer mortality.
Why statistics can be misleading: Doctors explain how survival numbers are averages, why they often lag behind current treatments, and how patients should interpret them.
What better questions patients can ask: Instead of focusing only on mortality, asking about treatment options, quality of life, and the plan moving forward.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

From Patient to Professor: Dr. Brian Merkel and the Transplant Ripple Effect

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:19:50 -0400

Dr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to reflect on one of the earliest eras of bone marrow transplantation through the eyes of both patient and physician. Dr. Merkel recounts his leukemia diagnosis at age 18, the reality of informed consent, and the life-or-death decisions that shaped not only his survival, but his future as a scientist and educator. Together, the group explores how transplantation has evolved—from isolation wards and experimental protocols to outpatient care, clearer communication, and a deeper understanding of the human experience of treatment.

“I was prepared to die. I really was. But I was determined to live and to do what was necessary for my part to make that happen.”— Dr. Brian Merkel

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

What “informed consent” really means: Why understanding risk intellectually is different from living through it—and why family conferences can be one of the hardest parts of the transplant process.
How communication reduces fear: The physicians discuss how explaining why treatments are given—using stories, analogies, and repetition—can significantly lower patient anxiety.
The role of trust and self-advocacy: From choosing a transplant center to speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, patient confidence and agency matter.
How transplantation shaped modern cancer care: Early transplant research laid the groundwork for today’s cellular therapies, including CAR-T, and continues to influence the future of oncology.

The Leukemia Patient Experience

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:08:55 -0500

Dr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. Together, they discuss how the patient experience of leukemia treatment has changed—and where it’s headed. From the psychological toll of isolation to the groundbreaking role of artificial intelligence in drug design, this conversation explores how clear communication, family support, and scientific persistence are giving new hope to patients and their families.

“Transplantation is a family affair. It is not something that patients go and do by themselves. It involves everyone, and it is getting safer and safer.”— Dr. Fred Appelbaum

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you will learn:

Why patients can feel isolated: Many patients, especially young adults, experience emotional isolation during treatment. The doctors discuss why this happens and how families can help close that gap.
The importance of self-advocacy: Patients are encouraged to ask questions, speak up, and act as their own advocates so they feel informed and comfortable at every stage of care.
How doctors communicate complex information: Physicians often rely on analogies and repeated explanations—what they call “continuous education”—to help patients absorb difficult information during stressful moments.
What’s next in cellular therapy: Transplant research laid the foundation for CAR-T cell therapy. Today, artificial intelligence is being used to design new drugs that may one day cure autoimmune diseases—and even HIV.

This episode is the second of a three-part series. Listen to the rest of the conversation here:

A History of Stem Cell Transplantation

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:36:46 -0500

Dr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to reflect on the bold and uncertain early days of stem cell transplantation and how that work reshaped the treatment of leukemia. From experimental procedures in the 1970s to today’s highly refined transplant and cellular therapies, this conversation traces how risk, collaboration, and perseverance laid the foundation for modern cancer care.

“Whoever saves a life, saves the world. And when you sit with a patient, you have to remember that you could just as easily be on the other side of the table.” ~ Dr. Fred Appelbaum

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you will learn:

How stem cell transplantation began: What leukemia treatment looked like in the early 1980s, why early transplant attempts were considered radical, and how researchers pushed forward despite skepticism and failure.
From last resort to standard of care: How advances in supportive care, donor matching, and clinical trials transformed transplantation from an experimental gamble into a life-saving option for many patients.
The human ripple effect of innovation: How Dr. Brian Merkel’s own experience as a teenage transplant patient led him to a career in science and teaching, and how survivorship continues to shape future generations of physicians and researchers.
Collaboration that changed medicine: Why breakthroughs in transplantation required not just oncologists, but infectious disease specialists, researchers, patients, and families working together over decades.
Ethics, empathy, and trust: How physicians navigate risk, hope, and informed consent when treatments are complex, demanding, and deeply personal.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

A Partner in Care: Meet Dr Harsha Poola

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:13:43 -0500

Medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Harsha Poola discusses his journey from a small town in southern India to joining Green Bay Oncology. He shares how witnessing his parents’ dedication to their patients and his own family’s experience with a cancer diagnosis shaped his holistic, patient-centered approach to medicine.

“I strongly believe that the paternalistic approach to medicine is no longer valid. The days of a doctor telling you what to do and what not to do are not entirely appropriate anymore. I strongly believe in being a partner to my patients.” ~ Dr. Harsha Poola

On this episode of “Cancer Covered,” you will learn:

A legacy of care: How growing up as the son of two physicians in India inspired a lifelong commitment to medicine and the importance of being an “extended part” of a patient’s family.
The “cheerleader” philosophy: Why Poola views himself as a partner and advocate rather than just a prescriber, emphasizing a collaborative process that factors in a patient’s values, goals and existing medical conditions.
The impact of immunotherapy: An exploration of how modern advancements are changing outcomes for patients, while acknowledging the complexity of managing side effects and autoimmune considerations.
Beyond the white coat: A look at Poola’s life outside the clinic, from his childhood admiration for Michael Jordan to his “off the beaten path” family adventures hiking Machu Picchu and exploring the Bolivian salt flats.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Survivorship and Living with Cancer

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:51:07 -0500

Medical oncologists Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Kamal Abbi discuss how to bridge the gap between finishing treatment and finding a new normal. They dive into the overlooked complexities of survivorship, exploring how the end of clinical care often marks the beginning of a different, more personal battle with anxiety, physical recovery, and the shifting identity of life after a diagnosis.

“We can sometimes get people to that spot where they don’t actually look at cancer as having been a bad thing for them. They may actually live longer and live better after cancer because they’ve made better health choices and better lifestyle choices moving forward with their life.” – Dr. Brian Burnette

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

The survivorship cliff: An honest look at the transition from active treatment to surveillance, why it can be an anxiety-provoking state for patients and how the care team works to ensure no one feels abandoned.
Reframing the fear of recurrence: Dr. Burnette and Dr. Abbi discuss how they manage the “waiting for the other shoe to drop” mentality by providing realistic contexts for recurrence and treating cancer as a manageable chronic disease.
Addressing the unmet needs: A candid discussion on the physical recovery process, including often-taboo topics like sexual health, intimacy, and the importance of clinical trials like GEM-S and FoRtitude in enhancing long-term quality of life.
The power of perspective: How a diagnosis often leads to a refocusing of priorities, where patients may find themselves living more intentionally and happily than before their diagnosis.

Helpful links

Clinical trials exploring ways to improve cancer survivorship:

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Emotional Well-Being Behind the Scenes of Cancer Care

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:48:07 -0500

Social worker Tom Bekkers joins oncologists Dr. David Groteluschen and Dr. Michael Guiou to peel back the curtain on the emotional weight of cancer care. They explore how the care team supports not only the patients and their families, but also one another, through the most difficult moments of the journey.

“Acknowledging that…it takes a special person to work with patients day in and day out… making that an open time or giving them the free time to come and talk… It’s okay to come and share it.” – Tom Bekkers

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

The Emotional Weight of Caregiving: An inside look at how doctors and social workers process loss, manage “compassion fatigue,” and the importance of clinical debriefings to ensure the team can continue providing high-quality care.
The Provider’s Evolution: Dr. Groteluschen and Dr. Guiou reflect on how their perspective on life and death has matured over time, moving from a feeling of “failure” at a patient’s passing to a focus on providing peace and quality of life.
The Importance of Perspective: How working on the front lines of oncology shifts the providers’ personal outlooks, fostering deep gratitude and a commitment to honest communication regarding the goals of care.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Supporting Patients with Food Insecurity

Green Bay Oncology — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 23:19:14 -0500

A cancer diagnosis is more than physical; it requires sufficient nourishment to support the body through treatment and recovery. In this episode, Clinical Dietician Maddi Mleziva joins Oncologist Dr. David Groteluschen Gro to discuss the alarming rate of food insecurity among cancer patients and the collaborative strategies the care team uses to ensure access to vital nutrition.

“ Your calorie needs increase pretty significantly with treatment, and that goes in part with the cachexia. Your cells are eating up calories a lot faster because the cancer cells are eating up calories.” – Maddi Mleziva

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

The Alarming Reality: Why cancer patients face a significantly higher risk of food insecurity (up to 55%), driven by the staggering economic and social burdens, including the high cost of treatment and potential loss of income.
The Nutritional Impact on Treatment: How lack of consistent, nutritious food impairs a patient’s ability to tolerate and recover from treatment, increasing the risk of chemotherapy delays and life-threatening infections due to severe weight loss, or cachexia.
Calories Over Perfection: The clinical approach to maximizing a patient’s caloric intake—even with less nutritionally ideal foods like ice cream—when nausea and loss of appetite make eating a challenge, and the importance of families reducing pressure on patients to eat.
The Power of Collaboration: How the oncology team—physicians, dieticians, and social workers—collaborate to identify high-risk patients and provide expert, often free, dietary counseling and support, including managing specialized nutritional needs like feeding tubes.
Essential Community Resources: A detailed look at the local resources available in Northeast Wisconsin, including food pantries, government aid like SNAP/EBT, Meals on Wheels, and holiday meal programs, all designed to alleviate the emotional and financial burden of food insecurity.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

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Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Social Work Services in Cancer Care

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 09:07:45 -0500

A cancer diagnosis is more than physical; it touches every part of a patient’s life. In this vital episode of Cancer Covered, social worker Tom Bekkers joins oncologists Dr. David Groteluschen and Dr. Michael Guiou to discuss the indispensable role of social work in providing comprehensive support for patients and families navigating the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer care.

“We address the emotional and psychosocial aspects… Just trying to help give them a chance to feel what they’re feeling and give ‘em permission to experience whatever they’re feeling.” – Tom Bekkers

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

The Evolving Role of Emotional Support: How the social worker’s focus shifts across the cancer journey, from dealing with shock and fear at diagnosis, to managing daily challenges during treatment, and finally to addressing goals of care at end-of-life.
Why Social Work is Vital for Physicians: The oncologists’ perspective on how social workers enhance care by managing the non-medical side of the equation—including family issues and accessing community resources—which is crucial for treatment success.
Control Through Planning: The value of establishing Advanced Directives early, acting as a roadmap for care that ensures a patient’s wishes are known and honored, especially regarding quality of life goals.
Community and Hope: The therapeutic benefits of cancer support groups, which break down isolation and offer powerful hope when patients connect with long-term survivors.
Navigating Financial Roadblocks: How the care team connects patients with resources to address overwhelming financial anxiety—from insurance concerns and co-pays to transportation needs and month-to-month living expenses.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

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Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Veterans and Burn Pit Cancers

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 20:28:41 -0500

In this episode we cover burn pit exposure and cancer that affects many veterans. Medical Oncologist Dr. Tony Jaslowski and Outagamie County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Kell Bales discuss the health crisis stemming from military burn pits and the landmark legislation designed to help. The guests break down the extensive use of open-air burn pits used to dispose of everything from trash and fuel to chemicals and medical waste and the subsequent illnesses years later. They then detail the passing of the PACT Act in 2022, a law that significantly expands VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to these toxic substances, explaining what the “presumptive conditions” list means for getting care and why it is critical for veterans, even those who are hesitant, to file a claim.

“If you’re not gonna do it for yourself, please consider doing it for your family, for your spouse, for your kids. ‘Cause certain benefit levels will open up new opportunities.” – Kell Bales

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

What the inhalation of burn pit smoke and its complex mix of toxins does to the body over time, and the cancers and respiratory illnesses (like lymphomas, kidney cancer, and COPD) believed to be connected.
How the PACT Act created “presumptive conditions,” meaning the VA presumes a connection between a diagnosis and service in a burn pit area, simplifying the claims process for veterans.
How veterans can enroll in the Burn Pit Registry and VA healthcare, and the difference between receiving care directly from the VA versus through the Community Care program with a local oncologist.
Why many veterans are hesitant to file for benefits, and the critical role of the Veterans Service Officer (VSO) in providing free, expert assistance to ensure veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned.
How increased documentation and studies spurred by the PACT Act may shape future research and lead to a deeper biological understanding of these cancers, potentially improving treatments.

Helpful links to learn more:

The PACT Act and your VA benefits: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp
VA Health Care: https://www.va.gov/health-care/
Find your local VSO
- Wisconsin: https://wicvso.org/locate-your-cvso-tvso/
- Michigan: michigan.gov/mvaa/county-filter-search-locations
- Nationwide: https://www.nacvso.org/county-veterans-service-officers

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

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Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Dr. Brian Merkel’s Story: From Surviving Cancer to Inspiring Future Doctors (Part 2)

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 12:53:48 -0500

In the second part of our interview, Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, moves the focus from his battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 1984 to his life as a survivor and educator. After beating the disease with a bone marrow transplant, Dr. Merkel now inspires and mentors the next generation of doctors and scientists, committed to paying that gift forward. He is joined again by Green Bay Oncology’s Dr. Brian Burnette and his former student, Dr. Evan Wenig. They discuss this story and how survival shapes a career in education and cancer care.

“ Success for me is seeing those students reach those goals, get into those programs, and then it’s even better when they come back to the community.” – Dr. Brian Merkel

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

The inspiration Dr. Merkel takes from his experience to be a “cheerleader” for medical students, helping them manage the pressure and maintain balance in a difficult curriculum.
The essential role of teachers and education at all levels from elementary school to medical school, in training the next generation of physicians and advancing the field of oncology.
A reflection on how the human element of his story, and all patient stories, serves as a powerful reminder to his former student, Dr. Wenig, of why he chose a career in medicine.
Dr. Merkel’s open offer to be a source of inspiration for current patients, demonstrating the power of connecting survivors with those currently undergoing a cancer journey.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

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Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Dr. Brian Merkel’s Story: From Surviving Cancer to Inspiring Future Doctors

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:06:16 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, shares the deeply personal story of surviving acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 1984. Despite a 10% chance of survival, he overcame the disease through a bone marrow transplant, an emerging treatment at the time. Now, he dedicates his life to teaching and mentoring the next generation of doctors and scientists. Joining him are Green Bay Oncology’s Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Evan Wenig, a former student of Dr. Merkel’s.

“…that miracle is never lost on me because every day I have a chance on multiple occasions to pay that gift forward.” – Dr. Brian Merkel

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

Dr. Merkel’s harrowing cancer journey, from his initial diagnosis as a high school senior in 1984 to undergoing a bone marrow transplant during the infancy of the procedure.
The psychological and emotional toll of surviving a severe illness and the process of reintegrating into life, including the surprising challenge of simply being asked, “How are you feeling?”
How Dr. Merkel channeled his survival trauma into a decades-long passion for teaching, mentorship, and inspiring students to pursue careers in medicine and science.
The profound impact of Dr. Merkel’s teaching philosophy, which focuses on getting students to “realize their value,” as discussed with his former student, Dr. Evan Wenig.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Medicare for Cancer Care 101

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 11:54:00 -0400

In this episode, Green Bay Oncology’s financial counselors, Jordan Karwedsky and Anne Baumgart, break down how Medicare covers cancer treatments. They share practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of the system, avoid unexpected costs, and access financial assistance.

“Ask for help early. Don’t let it get outta control. And don’t forget if there’s financial counselors available, we’re always here to help.” – Jordan Karwedsky and Anne Baumgart

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

The different parts of Medicare such as what Parts A, B, C, and D mean for patients and how they relate to cancer care.
The difference between a Medicare Advantage Plan and Medicare Part B with a supplemental plan, and what this means for out-of-pocket costs.
Practical tips for navigating Medicare, securing financial assistance, and preparing for the costs of cancer treatment, whether you are on a fixed income or not.
Advice on how to avoid denied claims and unexpected costs by working with financial counselors and a trusted insurance agent.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

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Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

BiTE Therapy

Green Bay Oncology — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:26:40 -0400

Medical oncologists Dr. Kamal Abbi and Dr. Brian Burnette discuss BiTE therapy, a groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment for various cancers. They explain how this therapy works by harnessing the body’s own immune system, its rapid evolution, and who is eligible for treatment.

“We’re at the tip of the iceberg… moving a non-curable but manageable disease to a curable disease with a time-limited, not indefinite treatment.” – Dr. Brian Burnette

In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

This bispecific T-cell engaging antibody therapy acts like a magnet, bringing the body’s own “killer T-cells” into direct contact with cancer cells to destroy them.
This targeted treatment is showing remarkable results, with the potential to turn previously incurable cancers into curable diseases.
Green Bay Oncology is committed to bringing this life-changing treatment to communities across the region, so patients don’t have to travel to distant centers.
What a newly diagnosed patient should ask their oncologist about BiTE therapy and clinical trials.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

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Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Pluvicto for Advanced Prostate Cancer

Green Bay Oncology — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 08:10:31 -0400

Radiation oncologist Dr. Michael Guiou and medical oncologists Dr. Kamal Abbi and Dr. Matthew Ryan discuss Pluvicto, an innovative radiopharmaceutical treatment for advanced prostate cancer. They explain how this therapy uses a targeted approach to deliver radiation from the inside out, who is eligible for the treatment, and what patients can expect.

“With external beam radiation, you’re limited in what you can treat… with Pluvicto, you can have things in your pelvis and your chest and your arm and your leg. You can treat all those.” – Dr. Michael Guiou

In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

Pluvicto is a targeted therapy that delivers a low-traveling dose of radiation directly to prostate cancer cells throughout the body, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

This therapy is used for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and its recent FDA approval has expanded its availability to more patients.

While not a cure, Pluvicto has shown significant effectiveness in controlling the disease and improving quality of life, with two-thirds of patients seeing some form of benefit.

The treatment is generally well-tolerated by most patients and often has fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

Patients who receive Pluvicto must take temporary safety precautions for a few days after treatment to limit radiation exposure to others.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

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Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Breast Radiation and Heart Disease

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:05:24 -0400

Radiation oncologists Dr. Michael Guiou and Dr. Alex Coffman discuss why patients with left-sided breast cancer face an increased risk of heart disease due to the proximity of the heart to the tumor. They explain how historical advancements in radiation technology initially led to higher doses reaching the heart and detail the modern techniques now used to mitigate this risk.

“You don’t want to cure their cancer, but increase their risk of having a heart attack later on in life.” – Dr. Michael Guiou

In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

The primary reason left-sided breast cancer patients are at higher risk is the heart’s position on the left side of the chest, which makes it more susceptible to radiation exposure.

Advancements in radiation therapy in the 1960s, while improving deep-body targeting, also unintentionally increased the radiation dose to the heart.

Modern techniques like deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH), prone positioning, and advanced planning are used to keep radiation away from the heart.

These modified treatments have significantly reduced the risk of heart disease for most patients.

Patients with pre-existing risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking or diabetes, are at an even higher risk, so it’s crucial to manage those factors.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Cancer, War and a Century of Life: Vaughn Collicott’s Story (Part 2)

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:34:43 -0400

In this truly special Part 2 episode, we’re honored to continue our conversation with Vaughn Collicott, a 101-year-old World War II Navy veteran and cancer survivor. Having shared the remarkable first half of his life in our previous episode—from growing up in a covered wagon to navigating the London Blitz and the D-Day invasion—Vaughn now shifts his focus. Today, he delves into another significant battle he’s faced with the same steadfast spirit: his journey with multiple cancer diagnoses. He shares his incredible story of resilience, service, and courage with host Steve Slocum, Dr. Tony Jaslowski, and his granddaughter Gidget Peerenboom.

“I tell live as good as the clean life as you can. Don’t smoke, don’t drink. And have professional people for your eyes and your body have the best doctors that you can get.” – Vaughn Collicott

In this Part 2 episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

Vaughn’s Battle with Cancer: Vaughn recounts his multiple cancer diagnoses, including prostate cancer in 2001, which required 39 radiation treatments for a successful cure, and bladder cancer, treated with two rounds of BCG. He shares the challenges and perseverance through these treatments.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The episode highlights Vaughn’s enduring spirit, exemplified by his ability to overcome significant health challenges, including a burst appendix in his seventies where he still managed to drive himself to the hospital initially.

Reflections on D-Day’s 80th Anniversary: Vaughn shares his emotional return to Utah Beach for the D-Day 80th anniversary, where he revisited the site where the USS Meredith was sunk and reflected on the countless lives saved by disabling the German bunker.

Life Advice from a Centenarian: Vaughn imparts wisdom on living a “clean life,” avoiding smoking and drinking, and seeking the best professional medical care for one’s body.

An Unexpected Celebrity Encounter: Vaughn details his experiences at the D-Day anniversary, including meeting President Biden, Nancy Pelosi, a four-star admiral, and even Steven Spielberg, with whom he and his granddaughter, Gidget, got a picture.

Continued Adventures: Despite his age, Vaughn continues to travel, including trips to the Dallas Cowboys stadium, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, and participation as a grand marshal in the National Memorial Day parade in Washington D.C., all facilitated by American Airlines’ special program for veterans.

Facing New Challenges: The episode concludes with Vaughn revealing his recent lung cancer diagnosis, which he plans to tackle with the same proactive and resilient attitude he has demonstrated throughout his extraordinary life.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

War, Cancer and a Century of Life: Vaughn Collicott’s Story (Part 1)

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 07:48:34 -0400

In this truly special episode, we’re honored to feature Vaughn Collicott, a 101-year-old World War II Navy veteran and cancer survivor. Vaughn’s life story spans some of history’s most pivotal moments, from spending his first year of life in a covered wagon to navigating the London Blitz and the D-Day invasion. He shares his incredible journey of resilience, service, and courage with host Steve Slocum, Dr. Tony Jaslowski and his granddaughter Gidget Peerenboom.

“I’ve been a lucky person all my life. Fortunate? Yeah. Playing bingo even, I’ve been lucky. I won big money three times.” – Vaughn Collicott

In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

Vaughn’s early life, including growing up in Walworth County, Wisconsin, surviving a near-fatal tonsillectomy at age seven, and learning to drive and play golf with a remarkable older neighbor.

His decision to join the Navy in 1942 and his first experiences at sea, including surviving rough Atlantic voyages without ever getting seasick.

His harrowing accounts of wartime travel, from sailing the Thames River into London and experiencing the Blitz, to enduring constant threats from German U-boats in massive convoys.

His critical role on the USS Meredith during the Normandy invasion, including his precise actions as a Fire Controlman and his vivid recollection of the ship being struck by a 2,000-pound bomb.

The raw and emotional details of surviving the USS Meredith’s sinking and the immediate aftermath, including witnessing horrific injuries and his eventual journey back to the U.S.

How he seamlessly transitioned from war zones to civilian life, painting hotels and working at General Motors, demonstrating his lifelong adaptability and “jack of all trades” mentality.

His final wartime service on the USS Lanier, transporting the first division of Marines to Japan as the initial occupation forces after the war’s end.

Join us for the first half of Vaughn’s unforgettable story, a testament to an extraordinary life lived through resilience, duty and sheer fortune. Be sure to tune in for Part 2, where Vaughn shares his experiences battling multiple cancer diagnoses with the same steadfast spirit.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Hematology-Oncology Care

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 09:51:24 -0400

Medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Matthew Ryan and pediatric hematology/oncology social worker Emma Lehman, MSW, CAPSW, discuss the unique challenges that young adults face when transitioning from pediatric to adult cancer care. They share how the shift from a family-centered pediatric environment to a more independent adult setting can be emotionally and logistically daunting, highlighting the significant differences in care teams and support systems.

“Transitioning from pediatric to adult oncology care is tough because it’s more than just a medical shift; it’s an emotional and logistical one. Pediatric care offers significant wraparound support, while adult care expects more independence, which can be overwhelming for young adults.” – Emma Lehman

In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

The biggest difference between pediatric and adult cancer care teams often lies in the presence of child life specialists in pediatric settings, who offer play, distraction, and creative ways for patients to cope with and process their experiences.

Young adults often miss the strong relationships they built with their pediatric care teams due to the more personalized and family-involved approach common in pediatric clinics.

Common barriers to a smooth transition include differences in health systems and medical records, as well as the challenge of establishing new relationships with the adult care team.

Best practices for a successful transition involve initiating discussions early, teaching self-advocacy skills, and promoting effective communication between pediatric and adult care teams through “warm handoffs.”

Empowering young adults in their new care environment involves encouragement, teaching them to lead appointments, and providing checklists to help them ask questions and understand answers.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

The Unique Challenges of Facing Cancer as a Young Adult

Green Bay Oncology — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:28:18 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Michael Guiou, a radiation oncologist, and Emma Lehman, a pediatric hematology/oncology social worker, dive into the unique challenges of facing cancer as a young adult. They discuss how treatment approaches are adapted, the long-term impacts young adults face, and the crucial support systems they need to navigate their diagnosis.

“They’re a population that doesn’t fit in. They’re not in the pediatric world. They’re not in the adult world, and oftentimes it even takes us a longer time to figure out they have cancer.” – Dr. Michael Guiou

In this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

Treatment approaches are uniquely adapted for young adults, with special consideration for long-term side effects like cardiovascular disease and fertility preservation.

Young adults are underrepresented in clinical trials, often due to the demands of their life stage and the emotional toll of their diagnosis.

Common misconceptions about cancer and its treatments persist, including the idea that cancer is a death sentence or that all treatments cause severe side effects.

Emotional and social challenges are significant for young adults with cancer, including fear for the future, isolation from peers, and a struggle to balance independence with the need for support.

Mental health support is as crucial as medical treatment for young adults, as it directly impacts their ability to adhere to treatment and overall recovery.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Cancer Treatment Safety: Smarter, Not Stronger

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Michael Guiou, Dr. Matthew Ryan, and Dr. Kamal Abbi explore the key factors that impact the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatments. They emphasize the importance of patient advocacy, understanding treatment options, and the role of a multidisciplinary team in providing comprehensive and safe care.

“I always encourage patients to ask questions and advocate for themselves. I take much time to make sure that patients truly understand what they’re undergoing.” – Dr. Michael Guiou

In this episode of Cancer Covered:

Patient health significantly determines the safety of treatment and how well a patient can tolerate various therapies.

Genetics plays an increasingly vital role in treatment safety, as different patients metabolize drugs differently.

Social support is a crucial factor in how patients manage their treatment.

The approach to cancer treatment has evolved from “more is better” to “smarter is better.” Modern oncology focuses on matching treatments with the stage and risk of cancer.

An interdisciplinary team comprising oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, dietitians, pharmacists, and social workers collaborates to create the safest and most effective treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs, comorbidities, and social circumstances.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Tumor Markers

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:53:24 -0400

Cancer diagnosis and treatment involve a complex array of tools and considerations, and understanding them can be crucial. In this episode, we discuss tumor markers and their vital role, as well as their limitations, in the field of oncology. We explore how these proteins, produced in excess by certain cancers, serve as valuable indicators for diagnosis and monitoring but also highlight the potential for false positives and the critical need to interpret them within a diagnosis. We cover the importance of compassionate care, the impact of testing on patient anxiety, and the ongoing challenge of integrating these powerful tools responsibly into comprehensive cancer care.

“With tumor markers, you want to treat the patient as a whole and not just look at a number on a lab test.” ~Dr. Matthew Ryan

In this episode of Cancer Covered:

Tumor markers are proteins found in the blood and can be used by oncologists to diagnose certain cancers or monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
While some cancers produce reliable tumor markers (e.g., PSA for prostate cancer), others do not, limiting their universal applicability.
Tumor markers can be crucial in assessing cancer recurrence or determining the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.
The episode highlights the importance of a holistic approach, emphasizing that tumor markers should always complement clinical assessments and imaging rather than be used in isolation.
The discussion addresses the potential for false positives and the risk of misinterpretation when tumor markers are not considered within a broader clinical picture.
The podcast also touches upon the impact of tumor marker testing on patient anxiety and the importance of understanding patients’ motivations for requesting these tests.
Careful and considered application of tumor markers ensures effective and compassionate cancer care.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Cancer Treatments

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 19 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The financial realities of a cancer diagnosis often come as a second shock, right after the words “you have cancer.” Insurance can be a maze at the best of times, and when treatments, tests, and ongoing care start to add up, understanding exactly how your coverage works becomes critical. In this episode, I sit down with Renee Lemens, President of Informed Choice Insurance Agency, and Jordan Karwedsky, financial counselor at Green Bay Oncology, to demystify the insurance world for cancer patients. Together, we break down the most important insurance concepts, discuss common hurdles, and offer practical strategies for managing costs throughout your treatment journey.

Renee Lemens has led Informed Choice Insurance Agency for over 27 years, helping individuals and families across Wisconsin navigate their health insurance options with compassion and clarity. Renee, a trusted community resource, specializes in matching clients to plans that suit their medical needs and lifestyles, especially during major healthcare changes like a cancer diagnosis.

Jordan Karwedsky is a financial counselor with Green Bay Oncology, guiding patients through the intricacies of insurance coverage, authorizations, and the many programs designed to ease out-of-pocket costs. Jordan’s experience lies in translating complex insurance jargon into actionable steps, ensuring patients understand their financial obligations and the assistance available to them.

“If you have a really bad year for health…what is the most that you’re going to pay out of pocket for your care that year? That’s a really important number to know.” ~Renee Lemens

Today on Cancer Covered:

Know your insurance basics: Understand terms like premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket limit. This is the true cap on your annual medical spending.
Network matters: In-network and out-of-network care can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Always verify that your providers and oncologists are in network before starting treatment.
HMO vs PPO vs EPO: The more freedom you have to choose providers (PPO), the higher your premium typically is. HMOs and EPOs are more restrictive but may cost less.
Government programs: Medicare and Medicaid offer broad coverage but have distinct qualifications and network restrictions. Dual eligibility can open up more plan options but may also increase complexity.
Resources for help: Independent insurance agents and financial counselors can clarify coverage, help you choose the best plan, and troubleshoot barriers during care.
Supplemental coverage: Specified-disease policies (like cancer insurance) can help cover hidden costs that your main policy doesn’t, like travel, lost wages, or house cleaning.
Financial assistance: Hospital programs, copay cards from drug manufacturers, and national foundations can help cover out-of-pocket costs for treatment and medication.
Keep records: A simple binder to organize explanations of benefits and doctor bills and a log of appointments can save you time and stress when sorting out bills and insurance claims.

Guest Contact Information

Informed Choice Insurance Agency (Renee Lemens)Website: https://informedchoice.com

Green Bay Oncology (Jordan Karwedsky)Website: https://gboncology.comFinancial counseling services are available via patient support at the clinic.

Resources Mentioned

Triage Cancer: https://triagecancer.org (comprehensive info on insurance and cancer, legal rights, and advocacy)
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Local county-based support for insurance and Medicaid navigation
Copay assistance programs through drug manufacturers and national foundations (search by disease or medication)
Medicare Marketplace and local agents for plan comparisons and enrollment guidance

If you’re feeling lost in the insurance world, know it’s normal. There are people and resources ready to advocate for you. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, reaching out can lighten the load and help you focus on healing.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Navigating Hope

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 05 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Cancer treatment can be overwhelming—not just emotionally and physically, but financially as well. While insurance may cover much of the cost, significant expenses often fall to patients. In this episode, I talk with the team behind Navigating Hope, a financial counseling initiative at Green Bay Oncology that has helped save patients and care facilities millions. Jordan Karwedsky and Gretchen Van Dyke, two financial counselors on the front lines of this work, join Dr. Brian Burnette, an oncologist who often connects patients with these vital resources. Together, we explore how Navigating Hope transforms how patients handle the financial impact of cancer, how the program has evolved over the years, and the profound relief it offers patients at every stage of their journey.

“It’s bonkers that other programs don’t have that… $17 million in savings in 2023 split maybe 50/50 between the hospital system and patients.” ~Dr. Brian Burnette

Today on Cancer Covered:

In 2023, Navigating Hope saved Green Bay Oncology patients and facilities over $17 million by using foundations, copay cards, and assistance from specialty pharmacies.
The financial counseling program has grown from a single staff member to a team of eight full-time financial navigators, paralleling the practice’s growth and patient needs.
Financial counselors proactively connect with all new patients, regardless of diagnosis, explaining insurance benefits and offering support from the very start.
Navigating Hope can often eliminate out-of-pocket patient costs, providing immense relief and preventing financial catastrophe.
The financial counseling team assists with in-state insurance navigation and helps patients across state lines, tackling especially complex scenarios for those living near borders.
Providers and staff at Green Bay Oncology are quick to refer any insurance or billing questions directly to financial counselors, ensuring patients get immediate and accurate support.
The presence of Navigating Hope dramatically reduces provider burnout by offloading the burden of prior authorizations and insurance wrangling, letting doctors focus on patient care.
While programs like Navigating Hope remain rare, the team works to share its knowledge nationally and advocates for developing similar support systems elsewhere.

Guest Contact Information:

Green Bay Oncology: website
For financial counseling or to learn more about Navigating Hope: Contact Green Bay Oncology or call the main office for referral to a financial counselor.

Resources Mentioned:

Copay assistance programs and foundations (local and national)
ACCC (Association of Cancer Care Centers) for networking and best practices in financial navigation
Good Faith Estimate (required by law for uninsured or self-pay patients)
Advanced Beneficiary Notice (used by some large centers; discussed as a contrast to the local approach)
HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

How Will I Know if I’m Cured?

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

How do you know if your cancer is cured? In this episode of Cancer Covered, Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Tony Jaslowski join us to explore this crucial question. We dive into the definitions of “cure” and “remission” and how they differ. Our discussion highlights how factors like age, cancer type, and treatment goals influence long-term outcomes and the personalized nature of cancer care.

Dr. Brian Burnette, an expert oncologist, shares his insights into the complexities of cancer treatment. Dr. Tony Jaslowski, who brings his rich experience in oncology, discusses effective strategies for managing cancer.

“Each cancer is unique, and the same cancer can have different approaches based on the patient’s age and priorities.” – Dr. Tony Jaslowski

This week on Cancer Covered:

The personal nature of defining cancer “cure” across different patient scenarios
How age influences treatment decisions and outcomes in cancer care
Discerning the difference between cure and remission in patient management
The applications and intentions behind adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and palliative therapies
The significance of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatment and prognosis
Emotional challenges when transitioning from active treatment to surveillance
The importance of lifestyle changes for living well after cancer treatment
Tools and strategies to guide patients in understanding their cancer journey

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Spotlight on Spierings Cancer Foundation

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Cancer Covered, we delve into the inspiring story of Spierings Cancer Foundation, a local powerhouse in the fight against cancer in the Fox Cities. Born from Jim Spierings’ battle with throat cancer and the overwhelming support he received, the foundation has distributed nearly $2.5 million since its inception in 2009. Our guests, Jim Spierings, founder and president; Katie Dougherty, executive director; and Dr. Brad Heraly from Green Bay Oncology, share insights into how the foundation supports local families, enhances cancer treatment options, and funds critical research.

Jim Spierings, diagnosed with stage four throat cancer in 2007, leaned on his family and community for support. Despite a tough battle and lengthy recovery, the support from his community led him and his family to start the foundation in gratitude. They focus on supporting local families struggling financially with cancer, improving treatment options locally, and funding statewide cancer research efforts.

“It’s our biggest priority to support local families battling cancer.” ~Katie Dougherty

Today on Cancer Covered:

Jim Spierings’ battle with cancer and community support led to the founding of the Spierings Cancer Foundation.
The foundation’s mission centers on aiding local families battling cancer and enhancing treatment within the community.
Rock Cancer, the foundation’s major fundraiser, unites the community through music, activities, and a common cause.
The partnership with Green Bay Oncology underscores a shared commitment to improving cancer care.
Enhanced cancer treatment through fundraising efforts includes advanced equipment, like the intraoperative specimen radiograph machine.
Over 200 families have been supported in the past year, speaking volumes about the rising need and the foundation’s growing impact.
Volunteers play a vital role, with numerous opportunities to engage during events like Rock Cancer.
Community generosity remains a driving force behind the foundation’s ability to meet increasing demands.

Contact Information:

For Spierings Cancer Foundation inquiries or to support their cause, visit their website: https://spieringscancerfoundation.org/
Connect with the Spierings Cancer Foundation for updates and volunteer opportunities on their Facebook page.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Cancer Recurrence: Prevention and Understanding

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Understanding and preventing cancer recurrence is a crucial aspect of survivorship. In this episode, we’re joined by medical oncologists, Dr. David Groteluschen and Dr. Brad Heraly, to explore the factors contributing to cancer recurrence and strategies patients can use to reduce their risk. We’ll also delve into managing the emotional challenges that accompany cancer survivorship.

Dr. David Groteluschen and Dr. Brad Heraly are experienced medical oncologists dedicated to advancing cancer care and supporting patients through comprehensive treatment and recovery processes. With years of expertise in oncology, they bring valuable insights into cancer prevention and recurrence management.

“Embrace your body and try to get it to a point that gives you the best chance of not having to deal with cancer again.” – Dr. Brad Heraly

In this episode of Cancer Covered:

Understanding cancer recurrence involves recognizing the various timelines and types of recurrence that differ across cancer stages and types.
Lifestyle changes such as managing alcohol consumption, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet significantly impact recurrence risk.
Smoking and tobacco use are crucial risk factors for cancer recurrence, highlighting the importance of cessation.
Routine check-ups, including mammograms and colonoscopies, are vital for early detection and positivity in survivorship care plans.
Emotional management and open communication with healthcare providers are essential for handling anxiety about recurrence.
Having a trusted medical provider and a clear survivorship plan fosters confidence and well-being post-treatment.
AI and technology continue to advance, likely enhancing diagnostics and patient care in the near future.
Patients are encouraged to advocate for themselves by seeking second opinions and ensuring trust in their provider relationships.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Fueling Hope: Nutrition for Cancer Care with Jasmine Ditter & Maddi Mleziva

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Nutrition is critical in cancer care, influencing treatment outcomes and recovery processes. In this episode, we sit with oncology clinical dietitians Jasmine Ditter and Maddi Mleziva from HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Center. Both are passionate about supporting cancer patients through their dietary journeys, addressing the unique nutritional challenges of treatment. They bring a wealth of knowledge and empathy to their roles, ensuring individualized care that meets each patient’s specific needs. Together, we explore how personalized dietary guidance can make a difference, understanding patients’ fears and concerns, and navigating the sea of information often found online.

Jasmine Ditter is a registered dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition for the past four years. She is dedicated to nourishing the body, mind, and soul, focusing on each patient’s struggles to provide tailored nutritional guidance. Maddi Mleziva, driven by personal connections to cancer, offers a year and a half of experience as a dietitian at the cancer center. Her individualized philosophy centers around treating each patient with compassion and care, often providing an attentive ear to understand patients beyond their medical needs.

“Nutritional intake can significantly impact treatment tolerance and recovery.”~Maddi Mleziva

This week on Cancer Covered:

The importance of personalized dietary plans for cancer patients
Navigating the influx of information from the internet with expert guidance
How diet plays a crucial role in treatment outcomes and recovery
Methods to manage nutritional intake during chemotherapy and radiation
The impact of nutritional beverages and community resources
The significant ratio of dietitians to oncology patients
Addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of eating during treatment
The support system involving caregivers and how it aids in cancer care

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

When Will I Know the Treatment is Working?

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Understanding whether cancer treatment is working can be a complex and nuanced journey. In this episode of Cancer Covered, I’m joined by Dr. Tony Jaslowski, a dedicated medical oncologist, and Dr. Michael Guiou, an insightful radiation oncologist, as we navigate the critical topic of evaluating the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Together, we’ll explore how different treatments are prescribed and monitored while highlighting the importance of individualized care and the patient’s active participation in their treatment journey.

Dr. Tony Jaslowski brings his extensive expertise as a medical oncologist. He focuses on developing personalized treatment plans using an array of therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and monoclonal antibodies. Dr. Michael Guiou, a skilled radiation oncologist, provides his perspective on various radiation treatments and their role in curative and palliative care settings.

“If you’re feeling better through the treatment, more than likely we’re on the right path.”– Dr. Tony Jaslowski

Today on Cancer Covered:

Cancer treatment is highly individualized, considering both the type and stage of cancer.
Based on the cancer’s spread, there is a differentiated approach between curative and palliative treatments.
Standard treatment effectiveness evaluation methods include imaging, physical exams, and patient-reported outcomes.
Communicating with healthcare providers is essential for understanding the treatment course and expected outcomes.
Patients must remain engaged and informed about their treatment to better advocate for themselves.
The timeline for seeing treatment results differs significantly between chemotherapy and radiation.
Family involvement in the patient’s care and understanding of the process can significantly ease the journey.
Patient resources, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology, can be invaluable for staying informed.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

Growing Up in Wisconsin: How Dr. Wenig’s Roots Shape Patient Care

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Cancer Covered, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Evan Wenig, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who joined Green Bay Oncology in the fall of 2024. Dr. Wenig shares his journey from a small town in Wisconsin to becoming a dedicated medical professional. In our conversation, he discusses his philosophy on patient care, his inspiration for specializing in oncology and hematology, and his excitement about joining the Green Bay community. We delve into his approach to blending medical expertise with compassionate patient care and his involvement in clinical trials to advance cancer treatment.

Dr. Evan Wenig is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at Green Bay Oncology. Originally from Oostburg, Wisconsin, Dr. Wenig completed his undergraduate education at UW-Green Bay, medical school in North Carolina, and subsequent residency and fellowship in Indiana and Michigan, respectively. His background and family experiences profoundly influenced his career choice and compassionate approach to patient care. Dr. Wenig is also actively involved in clinical research to improve oncology treatments.

“Optimism is the word that I would choose; my hope is to provide a beacon of lightto patients and their families.” ~Dr. Evan Wenig

Today on Cancer Covered:

Dr. Wenig’s role includes treating cancerous and non-cancerous blood disorders and solid organ cancers.
A significant personal experience, the loss of his older brother to childhood cancer, inspired Dr. Wenig’s career choice and compassionate approach.
Growing up in a supportive household equipped Dr. Wenig with the optimism and resilience needed for a career in oncology.
His philosophy emphasizes patient-centered care, empowering patients to participate in treatment decisions.
Dr. Wenig values the importance of clinical trials in improving medical treatments and patient outcomes.
Bonding with the local community and sharing everyday experiences enhances his patient interactions.
Dr. Wenig enjoys family time, outdoor activities, and exploring new culinary experiences outside of work, which help him recharge.
Dr. Wenig aims to bring optimism and encouragement to his patients, even in their darkest hours.

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartPlease share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Dr. Judy Tjoe on Breast Cancer Treatment Innovations and Patient Care

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Dr. Judy Tjoe joins us to share her journey into the world of breast surgery and oncology. She discusses her motivations for choosing this specialty, the importance of patient-centered care, and her innovative work in integrating exercise into cancer recovery. Dr. Tjoe also details her role in developing a new breast cancer program at Ascension NE Wisconsin – St. Elizabeth Campus Cancer Center in Appleton, WI and her vision for the future of cancer care.

Dr. Judy Tjoe is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon who joined Green Bay Oncology in the spring of 2024. With a background that spans medical school at UC San Francisco, specialized training at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and over two decades of experience, Dr. Tjoe is dedicated to the holistic treatment of breast cancer patients. Her commitment to integrating surgical precision with compassionate care and innovative recovery programs marks her as a leader in the field.

“How do we fit this cancer treatment, which you weren’t expectingor asking for, into your usual life?” ~ Dr. Judy Tjoe

In this episode of Cancer Covered:

Dr. Tjoe’s approach focuses on patient-centered care, getting to know her patients and their needs.
Building a comprehensive breast cancer program involves integrating various disciplines such as surgery, oncology, genetics, physical and occupational therapy, and patient navigation.
Her philosophy is to ensure that the rest of the patient’s life is as minimally disruptive as possible.
Dr. Tjoe initially considered pediatric hand surgery and plastic surgery before being guided to surgical oncology.
Her patients’ courage motivates her, and she finds profound inspiration in their journeys.
Dr. Tjoe pioneered a groundbreaking exercise program for cancer survivors, integrating triathlon training as a means of recovery.
She values continuous education and making connections in the medical community to stay updated on evolving breast cancer treatments.
Dr. Tjoe’s move to Green Bay Oncology allows her to build a new breast cancer program focusing on personalized, innovative care.

Resources mentioned:

Green Bay Oncology:https://www.gboncology.com/

Ascension Hospital in northeastern Wisconsin:https://healthcare.ascension.org/

For more stories and insights from Green Bay Oncology, tune in to other episodes:

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Welcome to Season III

Green Bay Oncology — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding this disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical expertise, patient care, and compassionate support for patients and their families. In this introduction, Steve Slocum, Chief Strategy Officer, and I, Megan Bies, Green Bay Oncology’s brand specialist, are excited to present the new season of Cancer Covered. We aim to bridge the gap between you and our team of highly knowledgeable cancer doctors, providing you with the insights and information you need, whether you’re a patient, a family member, or someone keen to learn about cancer-related topics.

Throughout this season, we will feature interviews with our trusted cancer experts and introduce you to some of our new providers. We’ll tackle some of the most commonly asked questions, such as whether breast radiation affects the heart and what roles diet and nutrition play in cancer treatment. Join us as we embark on this informative journey together.

“Our mission is to connect you with our team of cancer doctors as they share the knowledge and insights they’ve gained over the years.”– Steve Slocum

Today on Cancer Covered:

The primary mission of Cancer Covered is to connect listeners with knowledgeable cancer doctors.
Topics covered will be relevant to patients, family members, caregivers, and individuals interested in cancer-related knowledge.
Familiar and trusted experts from Green Bay Oncology will be featured in this season.
New providers will also make their debut, sharing their valuable insights.
Common questions, such as the impact of breast radiation on the heart, will be discussed.
The series will explore diet and nutrition’s significant role in cancer treatment.
Listeners can expect various subjects crucial to understanding and managing cancer.
The journey aims to be informative and supportive, offering knowledge that empowers listeners.

Related Episodes:

Our Mission
Cancer Care Then & Now

Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Should I Get a Chemo Port?

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:32 -0500

On today’s episode, we dive into the topic of chemotherapy ports. We discuss what they are, how they work, and why and when they’re used and not used in cancer treatment. Exploring the benefits and potential risks associated with ports and the issues surrounding when they should be removed after treatment, it’s an informative and insightful conversation that sheds light on this often inquired-about important aspect of cancer care.

Dr. Burnette explains the different types of ports, their placement, and the reasons why they are often preferred over other infusion devices. He also addresses common misconceptions about ports and shares his perspective on when and why they should be removed after treatment. Dr. Burnette’s expertise and compassionate approach to patient care make him a trusted authority on the topic of chemotherapy ports.

A native of Upper Michigan, Dr. Burnette completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic after graduating at the top of his class from Michigan State. Most recently, he served as Instructor of Medicine at Mayo. He is well-published and lectures internationally on cancer-related topics. Dr. Burnette treats all cancer types and is excited to serve the people of Green Bay and the surrounding areas.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Winkler attended Hendrix College in Conway, where he received his B.A. in biology. He attended medical school at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine and completed his internship and residency. He completed his oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, hematology, hospice, and palliative medicine.

“Oftentimes when you bring up a port, the picture a patient or the family member has in their mind is somebody having a dialysis catheter, a long IV hanging out of the arm, and it’s different than that.” ~ Dr. Brian Burnette

Today on Cancer Covered:

A chemotherapy port is a device inserted under the skin that connects to a large blood vessel in the body, providing secure IV access for medication infusion.
Ports are different from other devices like PICC lines or Hickman lines.
While ports are commonly placed in the chest, they can also be placed on other body parts by surgeons or radiologists.
Ports must be flushed regularly to maintain their function, usually every four to six weeks.
Ports provide a more pleasant experience for patients with difficulty getting IVs in their arms, as they offer secure and easily accessible IV access.
Some chemotherapy drugs can be harsh and irritating to the inside of veins, making ports a better option for infusion as they can handle more challenging conditions.
Ports are not necessary for all patients receiving medications, but they are particularly useful for treatments that require secure IV access or protracted infusions.
The decision to keep a port in after completing cancer treatment is a personal one, but it is important to consider the psychological burden and potential risks associated with leaving it.

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Hope vs Honesty

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:27 -0500

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Michael Guiou about the importance of having transparent and honest discussions with cancer patients about their prognosis and treatment options. We discussed how many doctors struggle to answer the question of how long a patient with Stage IV cancer will live and the negative impact this can have on patients.

Dr. Burnette emphasized the need to set realistic expectations and prepare for the worst while maintaining hope. He explained that about a third of patients will not respond well to treatment and may have a short life expectancy, while another third will respond well and have long periods of disease control.

Dr. Guiou added that it is crucial to be honest with patients and not give false hope, as this can lead to unnecessary treatments and emotional harm. We also discussed the importance of ongoing patient conversations about their prognosis and treatment options and the need to respect each patient’s hopes and goals. Overall, the episode highlighted the importance of trust, honesty, and open communication in providing the best care for cancer patients.

Dr. Brian Burnett: A native of Upper Michigan, Dr. Burnette completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic after graduating at the top of his class from Michigan State. Most recently, he served as Instructor of Medicine at Mayo. He is well-published and lectures internationally on cancer-related topics. Dr. Burnette treats all cancer types and is excited to serve the people of Green Bay and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Michael Guiou was born in Sacramento, California; with his father’s career in the Air Force, he grew up across several states. He attended the University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento and completed a residency at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Guiou loves the kind and caring culture of the Midwest, a trait he found was often lacking in bigger cities where he lived. Dr. Guiou has always wanted to help people and considers it a privilege to care for the patients under his care.

“If somebody looks like they’re heading out of this world, and they have an opportunity to spend one last time with the people that mean the most to them, and they weren’t aware that time was short, boy, you just cost them a lot.”~Dr. Brian Burnette

This week on Cancer Covered:

Uncertainty in Prognosis: Doctors often cannot accurately predict how long a patient with stage 4 incurable disease will live. Admitting uncertainty and discussing the range of possible outcomes is more helpful than providing an average survival statistic.
Individualized Outcomes: Patients with the same diagnosis can have vastly different experiences. About a third may not respond well to treatment, a third may have an average response, and a third may respond exceptionally well, living many years longer than expected.
Importance of Honest Communication: Clear and honest discussions about prognosis are crucial. Physicians should avoid giving false hope and help patients understand their situation realistically to make informed decisions.
Impact of Misinformation: Providing unrealistic expectations can lead to patients missing out on important life events, spending unnecessary resources, and experiencing additional emotional and physical distress.
Evolving Conversations: Discussions about prognosis and end-of-life care should be ongoing and evolve as the patient’s condition changes. This helps build trust and prepares patients for potential outcomes.
Changing Perceptions of Hope: Hope should not be limited to the prospect of a cure. It can take many forms, such as the hope for quality of life, not being a burden, or having a peaceful death.
Patient Autonomy: Modern medical practice emphasizes the role of the physician as an educator and guide rather than a paternalistic decision-maker. Patients should be empowered to make their own informed choices about their care.
Hope and Expectation: It’s natural for patients and doctors to hope for the best outcomes, even when they may not align with the most likely expectations. Hope can coexist with a realistic understanding of a patient’s prognosis.

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Please share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Encore: Our Mission

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:35 -0500

In this episode, we’re joined by the pioneering founders of Green Bay Oncology – Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Gerald Bayer – along with Dr. Tony Jaslowski, a dedicated oncologist and hematologist at GBO. Our conversation delves into our practice’s roots, exploring the establishment of a service and ethics-driven team approach. We reflect on how this ethos and culture, which prioritize teamwork, camaraderie, and equality, have flourished at GBO since its inception. Our discussion further highlights the founders’ commitment to prioritizing patient needs rather than focusing solely on financial goals. We explore our ongoing mission to provide honest, compassionate care, a philosophy that has become our and our founders’ lasting legacy. Additionally, we delve into the genesis of clinical research trials at GBO and examine the advancements in cancer research over the past thirty years.

To be an oncologist is an incredible privilege. You meet people at one of the worst times of their lives, and they allow you to care for them. Sometimes you cure their cancer, and sometimes they succumb to the disease – or something in between. But one thing remains consistent in our careers as a physician – It’s an incredible privilege to help our patients. Caring for our patients is a gift – a gift they give to us. It’s something our founders at Green Bay Oncology have never forgotten. And it’s something every oncologist should remember.

“Standardization of care is the ultimate vision for where we want this to go so everybody can have the best results.” – Dr. Skip McGovern

This week on Cancer Covered:

Treating each other as equals promotes teamwork
Putting the patient’s needs first
Our mission is to provide honest, compassionate care
The differences between a profit-driven practice vs a service-driven practice
How clinical research trials began at GBO
Understanding what an IRB is and what they do
How clinical research impacts communities

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Encore: Cancer Care Then & Now

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 00:00:33 -0500

Cancer research and treatment has come a long way over the last few decades. From having only a handful of treatment options and medications at our disposal in the late 1970s and early 80s to now having a wide range of treatment options, the ability to diagnose and treat cancer earlier, and even cure many different types of cancer – the evolution of cancer treatment and care has significantly evolved.

Our founders – Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Gerald Bayer – witnessed cancer treatment’s evolution and revolution first-hand.

Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, Dr. Gerald Bayer, and Dr. Tony Jaslowski join us again today to discuss the evolution of cancer care, what cancer treatment plans were like when Green Bay Oncology first began, and the treatment options that are currently available to oncologists and patients. We discuss how cancer research has improved the life expectancy of many patients with various types of cancer over the last several decades. They share the most memorable cancer treatment developments throughout their careers and the cancer drugs they were glad to see retire. We also discuss how the introduction of in-home hospice care has significantly improved the quality of life for terminally ill cancer patients and how the number of cancer patients being admitted into the hospital for cancer treatment side effects has been impacted by the development of modern drug treatment options.

“When hospice moved to taking care of patients in an outpatient setting, in their own home – it was a game-changer. It was actually care for them to receive.” – Dr. Skip McGovern

This week on Cancer Covered:

How cancer research has improved the life expectancy for patients over the last 40 years
Various cancer drugs our founders were glad to see retire
The most memorable cancer treatment developments that occurred throughout their careers
What life was like for cancer patients in the late 70s and early 80s and how it has evolved over time
Patients experiencing nausea, fatigue, and hair loss following a round of cancer treatment
The number of patients admitted into the hospital to receive chemotherapy treatments

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Hair Loss & Chemotherapy

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:26 -0500

Mitch and I delve into hair loss during cancer treatment in today’s episode. We explore why certain therapies cause hair loss and discuss the emotional impact it can have on patients. We also touch on the treatments more likely to cause hair loss, such as anthracyclines and taxane drugs.

Mitch shares insights on the temporary nature of hair loss and how patients can cope with the distress it may cause. We also discuss the option of scalp cryotherapy as a preventative measure, although it comes with challenges. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of understanding and validating the emotions that come with hair loss while highlighting cancer patients’ resilience and adaptability. Join us as we shed light on this aspect of cancer treatment.

“This is a temporary phase, just like the cancer treatment is.” ~Dr. Mitch Winkler

In This Week’s Episode of Cancer Covered:

Why some cancer treatments cause hair loss.
Specific treatments more likely to cause hair loss.
Is hair loss permanent for cancer patients?
Preventing hair loss during treatment.
How cancer patients cope with hair loss.
How common is it for people to lose their hair during cancer treatment?
Adapting to hair loss during treatment

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Cancer Stage: Why it Matters

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:54 -0500

In this week’s episode, I am joined by Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Michael Guiou to discuss the importance of cancer staging. We delve into cancer staging and how it helps guide treatment decisions. We also explore the evolving nature of cancer staging, shifting towards considering molecular characteristics and functional status in addition to traditional staging systems.

“Stage is one piece of how we set our expectations for how the cancer is going to behave, how the cancer might do,and what we can reasonably expect to achieve.” ~ Dr. Brian Burnette

This Week on Cancer Covered:

What is cancer staging, and why is it important in cancer treatment?
How does the cancer stage determine the treatment options for a patient?
Can Stage IV cancer be curable?
Are all Stage II cancers less severe than Stage III or IV cancers?
How do molecular characteristics and biology of a tumor affect cancer staging?
Is the stage the only factor that determines prognosis and treatment for cancer?
Why does the staging process take time, and how does it affect patients’ anxiety?
How can patients and their families have productive conversations with doctors about the cancer stage?

Resources Mentioned:

AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) – A staging system used for cancer that divides tumors into early, intermediate, or late-stage disease.
TNM staging system – A classic tumor-lymph node-metastasis staging system used for many cancers.
8th edition of the AJCC staging system – The most recent edition of the staging system, with a 9th edition expected to be released in the next year or two. p16 mutation – A mutation that can affect the stage and behavior of certain cancers, such as head and neck cancer.
Functional status – A patient’s overall health and ability to function can be a better predictor of survival than Stage IV solid tumors.

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

The Do’s and Dont’s of Talking to Cancer Patients

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:31 -0500

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In this episode, Dr. Mitch Winkler and Kyla King discuss the discomfort that often arises when talking to someone with cancer. They explore the reasons behind this anxiety and offer insights into how to navigate conversations with cancer patients.

Dr. Winkler emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and avoiding common missteps and provides valuable tips for supporting friends and loved ones with cancer while acknowledging the individuality of each person’s experience.

“Companionship is a really powerful therapeutic in ways that we still don’t quite understand,but I know it from my work, and I know it from my own personal life, the power it can have.”~Dr. Mitch Winkler

This Week on Cancer Covered:

• Anxiety plays a significant role in our discomfort when talking to someone with cancer.• Cancer patients often don’t want their illness to define them and prefer to maintain a sense of normalcy.• Many cancer patients feel othered and isolated due to visible signs of treatment or people avoiding them.• Blanket reassurances can feel dismissive and diminish the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.• Good listening skills, empathy, and avoiding probing questions are essential when talking to cancer patients.• Offering specific, concrete help and acknowledging your own discomfort can be meaningful gestures of support.

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Encore: Care Close to Home – Why it’s Important

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:25 -0500

Tony joins us today to discuss why providing cancer care close to home is essential. We discuss the travel expenses often associated with receiving cancer treatments and why they often cause patients to delay their treatment. We discuss how often many cancer patients need to visit the oncologist for cancer treatments and how they typically feel after a round of treatment. We also discuss the psychological benefits of receiving cancer treatment at medical facilities closer to home, as well as how outreach clinics impact the local communities.

Dr. Tony Jaslowski is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the United States Air Force Academy and his medical degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. Tony completed his internship and fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Before joining the Green Bay Oncology family, Tony served as a military consultant to the Surgeon General for medical oncology and hematology and was twice awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award by Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. Tony is passionate about ensuring patients receive the best treatment choices to fight cancer. Tony enjoys spending time with his wife and four children during his free time, playing racquetball at the YMCA, biking, and gardening.

“It’s not what’s convenient for me’or what’s convenient for the staff’. It’s what’s best for the patient and their families.”– Dr. Tony Jaslowski

This week on Cancer Covered:

Why some cancer patients may delay their cancer treatments
Travel expenses associated with receiving cancer treatments
How cancer outreach clinics help ensure patients receive the care they need
How patients often feel after receiving cancer treatment
The psychological benefits of receiving cancer care close to home
Why Green Bay Oncology is committed to providing patients with cancer care close to home
How cancer outreach clinics help local communities

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Having Your Say: Advanced Directives

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:01 -0500

In today’s episode, we discuss advanced directives and how they support patients at the end stages of life. We describe the historical context of advanced directives and explain how doctors solely made end-of-life decisions until the recognition of patients’ rights in the 70’s. We outline the consequences of not having an advance directive. We also emphasize the need to proactively plan for advanced directives and underscore how parents and caregivers can encourage younger adults to create advanced directives.

All end-of-life decisions used to be made exclusively by doctors without any input from their patients. Futile, painful treatments were conducted on patients, even if they didn’t want them. In 1969, human rights lawyer Louis Kuttner argued that patients had the right to clearly state their end-of-life care preferences and demand physicians follow them. This right was recognized by the courts in 1975 after the parents of Karen Ann Quinlan—who suffered brain death—sued on her behalf to have her ventilator discontinued. Today, our right to choose our own treatment at the end of life is clearly established—but it only happens if we define our wishes with advanced directives.

“An advanced directive is a set of instructions about how a person wants to be cared for at the end of life.It’s intended to represent you and your wishes if you become too ill to speak for yourself.”– Dr. Mitch Winkler.

This week on Cancer Covered:

The historical context of end-of-life decisions
Advanced directives: their importance and components
The need for advanced directives for all adults
The types of advanced directives
Simplifying and updating advanced directives
The “Five Wishes” document and how to obtain an advance directive
The barriers to completing advanced directives
The completion rates of advanced directives
The downside of not having advanced directives
How parents or caregivers can encourage young adults to create advanced directives
The ideal time to create advanced directives
Advanced directive completion in La Crosse, Wisconsin

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode,please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Denial

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:22 -0500

Tom joins us today to discuss denial and why it is a fundamental part of the human experience. He describes how denial, while unhealthy in some situations, can be a healthy coping strategy when facing difficulties. He also explores different strategies to overcome unhealthy denial, underscores the power of having a trusted supporter when facing fear, and highlights how overcoming denial gives individuals confidence and mastery over hardships.

Tom Bekkers, MSW, APSW, is an oncology social worker and the facilitator of the monthly cancer support group at Green Bay Oncology, which offers psychotherapy related to the challenges of adjusting to new health situations, lifestyles, and interpersonal relationship dynamics, as well as therapy to cope with death, dying, and grief—available to patients and loved ones. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Marquette University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Tom co-authors The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse.

“Overcoming denial allows you to develop confidence and mastery over your situation.You start feeling like you don’t have to live in fear and can trust again.” – Tom Bekkers.

This week on Cancer Covered:

The meaning of denial
How denial can be a healthy coping strategy
Why denial is a fundamental part of the human experience
How denial is almost always portrayed as a negative thing
Denial of diagnosis and illnesses
Denial of unhealthy lifestyle choices or unhealthy behaviors
Accepting or denying new physical limitations due to aging or stress
Denial of early symptoms and the “neglected breast cancer” phenomenon
Strategies to overcome unhealthy denial and acknowledge your fears
The good that comes from facing denial

Connect with Tom Bekkers:

Tom Bekkers on LinkedIn

Book: The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Is Immunotherapy for You?

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:07 -0500

Bradley joins us today to discuss the historical use of immunotherapy treatment to treat cancer. We discuss how immunotherapy works and the positive and negative impact it can have on a patient’s immune system. We discuss why immunotherapy treatment works well for some types of cancers but not for others and how it has made significant improvements in the survival rates of patients. We discuss some of the current limitations of using immunotherapy to treat cancer and the need to conduct further research to expand its use to treat other types of cancers. We also discuss what we believe the future holds for using biotechnology therapy, vaccines, and immunotherapy treatment to prevent and treat cancer.

Dr. Bradley Heraly, an esteemed specialist in medical oncology and hematology, originates from Casco, Wisconsin. With a comprehensive training background, including his residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a fellowship at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, he excels in delivering personalized cancer care and treating adult blood disorders. Participating actively in the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) trials, he demonstrates a keen interest in immunotherapy, bladder, and renal cancer. Beyond his professional pursuits, Bradley enjoys outdoor activities, including parasailing, biking, and camping, as well as coaching sports and fantasy football. His unique blend of calming, empathetic, and attentive traits allows him to establish strong patient relationships, underpinning his personalized approach to cancer care.

“We have this technology we use on a large scale. We can move forward in the cancer realm with certain antigens and get some benefit from this.” – Dr. Bradley Heraly

This week on Cancer Covered:

The interaction between cancer cells and the immune system and how cancer cells can dampen the immune response
The role of PDL1 molecules as a ‘fake ID’ for cancer cells and how it helps cancer cells avoid an immune attack
Types of cancers that have shown a good response to immunotherapy treatment
Why immunotherapy treatment is less effective in certain cancers, like pancreatic, prostate, and hormone-positive breast cancer
Educating patients on immunotherapy treatment effectiveness and use
Possible side effects of immunotherapy treatment
The development and ongoing research of CAR-T cell therapy to treat leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
The rapid progress and prospects of immunotherapy treatment
The potential for cancer vaccines as a primary prevention of infection-related cancers
The need for evidence-based approaches in utilizing immune boosters and nutraceuticals for treating cancer
The importance of balancing efficacy and safety in cancer treatment approaches
Ongoing advancements in cancer research and the potential for future breakthroughs in immune therapy

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

How Hospice Began

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 01:00:16 -0400

The 20th century saw the fast development of medicine and medical intervention. Alongside this incredible advancement came the assumption that medicine could cure anything—and the refusal to believe that something is incurable. For most of medical history, however, palliative care and relief from suffering was not just the norm but the only option. Though medical advancements have lengthened the life expectancy of people, terminal illness and death will always be with us. As Dr. Skip McGovern—co-founder of Green Bay Oncology—puts it, the end of life is a fundamental truth of the human experience. What probably matters more is the quality of our lives as we move toward the final chapters of our years.

Skip joins us in this episode to explore the history of hospice care and how it became a unique medical specialty in the modern age. We describe the hospice movement’s role in caring for the terminally ill and the impact of hospice care on reducing hospital inpatient numbers. We discuss why empathetic listening and advocating for patients are important skills palliative care physicians need to have. We also highlight the role of nurses and nurse assistants in providing hospice care and illustrate how hospice and palliative services provide support not only to patients but also to their loved ones.

“We have to offer patients an end to their suffering, which might include pain, emotional, or spiritual suffering. We have to provide support not only to the patient but also to their loved ones.” – Dr. Skip McGovern

This week on Cancer Covered:

How rapid changes in the 20th century led to high expectations for miraculous cures
How the advancement of medicine may have impacted palliative care
The roots and early history of hospice
The AIDS epidemic and the Lazarus effect
How nurses saw the critical need for intensive care for terminally ill patients
How hospice care has expanded to include pastoral care and social work support
The important role of certified nurse assistants in hospice care
The American Medicare hospice benefit
Shifts in physician attitudes toward hospice care
The necessary skills for palliative care physicians
Patient advocacy in palliative and hospice care
How palliative medicine and hospice medicine became a specialty
Switching from focusing on quantitative data to a more qualitative approach in patient care
The public’s perception of hospice and resistant attitudes toward end-of-life care
The timing of hospice enrollment and the conflict between early hospice enrollment and continued medical interventions
The role of hospice in improving patients’ quality of life and supporting families

Related Episodes:

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Why All the Blood Tests?

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 01:00:39 -0400

Dr. Bradley Heraly joins us today to delve into the world of blood tests in cancer clinics. We demystify the reasons for frequent testing, clarify the misconceptions about the information they provide, and discuss the present and potential future role of these tests in cancer treatment. We discuss how routine blood tests help doctors determine if patients have sufficiently recovered from treatment and the potential of DNA-based testing in identifying cancer. We also discuss the realities of patient experiences and the psychological impact of these tests and share our perspectives on the evolving technology in the field of Oncology.

Dr. Bradley Heraly is a distinguished medical oncologist and hematologist from Casco, Wisconsin. After graduating from medical school at the Chicago Medical School’s Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, he polished his skills at notable institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Dr. Heraly is devoted to delivering personalized and empathetic care, leveraging his extensive expertise in cancer treatments and adult blood disorders. Participating in the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) trials, he is interested in immunotherapy, bladder cancer, and renal cancer. When not caring for his patients, Dr. Heraly enjoys outdoor activities such as parasailing, biking, and camping, with a penchant for coaching sports and fantasy football. His calming and attentive nature and genuine interest in building strong patient relationships set the foundation for his personalized approach to cancer care.

“Infections are our biggest risk in chemotherapy, and blood tests help us monitor and prevent them.” – Dr. Bradley Heraly

This week on Cancer Covered:

The importance and frequency of blood tests in cancer clinics
Common misconceptions about what blood tests can reveal about a patient’s cancer
The limitations of current technology in detecting cancer cells in blood samples
The potential of DNA and RNA-based testing in early cancer detection
The challenges posed by the heterogeneity of cancer
The role of tumor markers and their limitations
Future prospects for blood testing in oncology
Assessing organ function for safe chemotherapy treatment
The impact of chemotherapy on bone marrow function and blood cell levels
Misconceptions around the necessity of routine blood tests after completing treatment
The importance of expert guidance and staying cautious while researching online

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Demanding Proof

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 01:00:58 -0400

Matthew and Brian join us today for an insightful discussion discussing the pivotal role of evidence-based medicine, a cornerstone in optimizing patient outcomes and healthcare strategies. This conversation navigates through the historical tapestry of medical research, spotlighting James Lind’s 1753 seminal scurvy experiment as a monumental benchmark initiating systematic medical experimentation. We dissect the principle of equipoise, a crucial element ensuring the ethical integrity and scientific validity of clinical trials, and venture into addressing the frequent anxieties patients encounter regarding clinical trials, providing actionable strategies for fostering critical thinking in health information to address the growing scientific skepticism. Underscoring the transformative impact of patient involvement in accelerating advancements within clinical trials and overarching medical research, affirming its instrumental role in shaping the future of healthcare.

Dr. Brian Burnette is a physician at Green Bay Oncology. He graduated top of his class from the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University. Afterward, he completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, where he also recently served as an Instructor of Medicine. With a special interest in lymphoid malignancies, Brian has authored multiple full-length, peer-reviewed articles addressing various cancer types and treatments.

Dr. Matthew Ryan is a physician at Green Bay Oncology. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University. He attended medical school at the University of Iowa and completed his residency and fellowships in oncology and hematology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. While at the Mayo Clinic, Matthew also developed clinical practice guidelines for its oncology tumor group.

“The real heroes in clinical research are those patients who invested in their own care and in the care of future patients; it’s on their backs that these clinical trials led to improvements in cancer care.” – Brian Burnette

This week on Cancer Covered:

A brief history of medical research and experimentation
The historical perception of ideas without evidence as “medieval”
The slow progress of medical experimentation and the reluctance to abandon entrenched ideas
Nazi World War II experiments, the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, and other ethical concerns on medical experiments
The importance of informed consent
Equipoise in research and randomization in clinical trials
The rarity of placebo-controlled trials
The British Parachute papers
Common anxieties about participating in clinical research
The rigorous process and ethical standards in modern clinical trials.
The courage of individuals who participated in early clinical trials for cancer
The importance of cooperation among competitive researchers in standardizing treatments and sharing resources
The value of taxpayer-funded clinical trials
The potential shortcomings of today’s clinical trial structure
Bernard Fisher and his leadership in developing clinical trials for breast cancer
The economic impact of clinical research
The role of clinical research in job creation and generating economic activity
The use of surrogate endpoints and other approaches to shortening timelines for cancer clinical trials
The role of patient advocates in the development of clinical trials
The anti-intellectual and anti-science backlash
The difference between good and bad skepticism
Patient-centered care and supporting patients in their treatment choices

Connect with Dr. Matthew Ryan:

Matthew Ryan on LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Brian Burnette

Brian Burnette Website

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Becoming a Parent after Cancer

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 01:00:19 -0400

Alisa, Mary Jo, and Tony join me today to discuss Alisa’s breast cancer diagnosis and how it impacted her fertility. Tony explains the rarity of breast cancer in young adult women and the unique challenges younger cancer patients face during treatment. He illustrates his experience working with Alisa as both her oncologist and colleague and discusses why her story continues to inspire him. Alisa shares her fertility journey after cancer, as well as her decision to use a surrogate and donor eggs. Alisa and Mary Jo also describe the joy Bodhi has brought to their lives and underscore how his birth has helped them move forward.

Alisa Ross is a certified medical assistant at Green Bay Oncology / HSHS St Vincent Cancer Center. In 2017, Alisa was diagnosed with Stage 2 HER2 breast cancer. She later pursued a technical diploma in Surgical Technology at Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College while simultaneously undergoing cancer treatment. Inspired by the compassionate care she received during her own journey, she offers vital support and empathy to patients facing similar battles. Five years after her cancer diagnosis, Alisa’s life is graced by the birth of her son, Bodhi, who brings joy to her and Alisa’s mother, Mary Jo.

Mary Jo Ross, a retired Registered Nurse, played a pivotal role in Alisa’s cancer journey. With a nursing education from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Racine, WI, and a BSN from the University of Alaska, Mary Jo brought unwavering maternal support to Alisa as she navigated her journey through cancer.

Dr. Anthony Jaslowski is a physician at Green Bay Oncology. Tony received his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy. He attended medical school at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago and completed his internship residency and his hematology and oncology fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians. At Green Bay Oncology, Tony serves as Alisa’s oncologist and colleague.

“Each cancer patient has their own story, their own life circumstances, what they struggle with. For younger patients, you always worry how it’s going to affect them for the rest of their lives.” – Dr. Tony Jaslowski

This week on Cancer Covered:

Alisa’s Stage 2 HER2 breast cancer diagnosis and her neoadjuvant chemotherapy
The rarity and median age of breast cancer in young women
The unique challenges a younger cancer patient might face during treatment
Chemotherapy’s toxicity and its potential permanent and reversible side effects
How certain chemotherapy drugs can impact fertility in young women
Approaches to preserving the fertility of young cancer patients
The evolution of breast cancer treatment in young adults
The use of markers like estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, and HER2 status to determine treatment for breast cancer
Advancements in understanding HER2-positive tumors and the development of monoclonal antibodies
Utilizing chemotherapy before surgery
Jaslowski’s experience working alongside Alisa as both her oncologist and colleague
How Alisa’s cancer journey inspires Dr. Jaslowski
Alisa’s fertility journey after her cancer diagnosis
The challenges Alisa faced during the egg retrieval process
The decision to use a surrogate and donor eggs
The birth of Alisa’s son, Bodhi, and the joy he brings to her life
Alisa’s advice to young women facing cancer and fertility challenges
Mary Jo’s perspective as a grandmother to Bodhi

Connect with Alisa Ross:

Alisa Ross on LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Anthony Jaslowski:

Anthony Jaslowski on LinkedIn

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Chemo through College

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 01:00:20 -0400

Alisa and Mary Jo join us today to share their story of resilience, familial support, and the power of hope and love in the face of adversity. They describe Alisa’s journey through breast cancer and how her diagnosis impacted her fertility. They explain how the cancer diagnosis and treatment brought them closer together and illustrate how Alisa navigated her life between cancer and college. They also celebrate Alisa’s son, Bodhi, and how his presence in their lives has brought them joy and hope after adversity.

Alisa Ross is a certified medical assistant at Green Bay Oncology / HSHS St Vincent Cancer Center. Alisa was diagnosed with stage 2B triple-positive breast cancer in 2017. Inspired by the compassionate care she received during her own cancer journey, Alisa pursued a technical diploma in Surgical Technology at Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College and has gone on to offer vital support and empathy to patients facing similar battles. Five years after her cancer diagnosis, Alisa’s life is graced by the birth of her son, Bodhi, who brings joy to her and her mother, Mary Jo.

Mary Jo Ross, a retired registered nurse, played a pivotal role in Alisa’s cancer journey. With a nursing education from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Racine, WI, and a BSN from the University of Alaska, Mary Jo brought unwavering maternal support to Alisa’s side as the latter navigated her journey through cancer.

“Take each day one day at a time and know that, no matter how you become a mother, you’re going to love that baby with your whole entire heart.” – Alisa Ross

This week on Cancer Covered:

Alisa’s diagnosis with stage 2B triple-positive breast cancer
The importance of regular check-ups and early detection
How Alisa’s cancer diagnosis paused her plans for marriage and having children
The emotional impact on Mary Jo after learning that her daughter had cancer
How the relationship between Alisa and Mary Jo changed during and after the cancer treatment process
The impact of cancer on Alisa’s fertility
What inspired Alisa to study to become a medical assistant amid her cancer journey
Her experience juggling college and cancer treatment
How being a cancer survivor has shaped Alisa’s perspective as a medical assistant
Mary Jo’s advice to parents of cancer patients and survivors
How prayer, faith, and experience as a nurse helped Mary Jo navigate her daughter’s cancer diagnosis
Alisa’s fertility journey after cancer
The egg donor IVF process
Alisa’s son, Bodhi, and how his birth brought joy to their lives
Alisa’s advice to young women facing similar challenges in life

Connect with Alisa Ross:

Alisa Ross on LinkedIn

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Cancer During COVID

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 01:00:44 -0400

Chris joins us today to share her cancer treatment journey while facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and worldwide quarantines. We discussed why she chose to attend her care appointments in person instead of virtually and the challenges many cancer doctors faced in treating patients during the quarantines. We discuss how Chris leveraged her passion for quilting, embroidery, and crafting to not only manage the loneliness and emotional strain of the COVID pandemic and cancer treatment but also to give back to her community. We discuss what immunotherapy treatment is, its benefits and side effects, and its ability to activate a patient’s immune system to fight cancer cells. We also discuss how Chris’s quality of life has been impacted since her cancer diagnosis and treatment and the value of connecting with other cancer survivors through online and in-person communities to find comfort, inspiration, and hope.

Chris Gruetzmacher is a remarkable 73-year-old mother and 2-time cancer survivor. As the world grappled with the pandemic, Chris embarked on her cancer treatment journey, finding solace and strength in her unwavering faith. Never one to sit idly, she constantly seeks ways to support others, dedicating her time to crafting heartfelt quilts for veterans. Chris’s own battle with cancer has become a powerful tool for connection as she reaches out to fellow cancer patients and survivors, offering them encouragement and a beacon of hope along their shared journey.

“You have to just take in the moment, deal with it, and then go on with your life the best you can.” ~Chris Gruetzmacher

This week on Cancer Covered:

Chris’s cancer treatment journey and what it was like receiving cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Leveraging in-person doctor visits as a way to socially connect with others during the COVID-19 quarantines
The challenges associated with treating patients during the coronavirus quarantines
Quilting and crafting to pass the time, manage emotional stress, and give back to military veterans
The importance of faith and family support
Participating in clinical trials
Understanding immunotherapy treatments, their benefits, and their side effects
The value of participating in cancer survivor communities both in-person and online

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

The Birth of Chemotherapy

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 01:00:25 -0400

Dr. Ryan joins us again today to discuss the origins of chemotherapy treatment. We discuss how earlier chemotherapy treatments were initially derived from poison and how chemotherapy research and development have improved over the years. We discuss the challenges researchers and medical oncologists faced during the early days of using chemo to treat cancer and how the mustard gas leak in Bari, Italy, impacted medical science’s research into cancer. We discuss how early cancer research paved the way for today’s combination therapy treatments, research, and treatment protocols and why many people are still concerned – and even fearful — of receiving chemotherapy treatment. We also discuss how medications like cisplatin and lorazepam led to improvements in making treating cancer more tolerable while improving cancer cure rates.

After obtaining a degree in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University, Dr. Matthew Ryan decided to follow his true calling to become an oncology doctor. He earned his medical degree at the University of Iowa and completed his residency and his oncology and hematology fellowships at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he developed the clinical practice guidelines for the Mayo Clinic’s oncology tumor group. As a Board Certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology, Dr. Ryan treats all types of cancers and adult blood disorders. He enjoys reading and spending time with his family when he’s not treating patients.

“They have lots of poisons on the shelf that can kill cancer. The key is killing the cancer and letting the human live.” – Dr. Matthew Ryan

This week on Cancer Covered:

How early chemotherapy treatments initially derived from poisons
Why it was so difficult to kill cancer cells without also killing healthy tissue
The Bari Incident and how the mustard gas leak impacted medical research for treating cancer
Today’s use of nitrogen mustard in treating certain types of cancers
The development of combination therapy treatments
Why researchers began developing R&D protocols for researching and treating cancer
How early chemotherapy treatment still impacts people’s decision to receive chemo
How cisplatin led to improved cancer cure rates

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Clinical Trial Myths

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 01:00:35 -0400

Dr. Brian Burnette joins us again today to discuss the myths surrounding clinical trials. We debunk some of the biggest myths around clinical trials and cancer research and why doctors are required to request a patient’s informed consent prior to starting any treatment. We discuss how the enactment of the Affordable Care Act impacted patients’ ability to participate in clinical trial research and why Brian believes it’s in the health insurance industry’s best interest to cover and invest in clinical trial research. We discuss why it’s important to ensure patients understand they are in the driver’s seat of their treatment plan and have the ability to stop treatment or withdraw their consent to participate in a clinical trial any time they choose. We also debunk some of the misconceptions around data and identity security when participating in clinical trial research and how clinical trials have impacted the advancement of cancer treatment as well as the life expectancy for many people living with cancer. Originally from Upper Michigan, Dr. Brian Burnette graduated at the top of his class at Michigan State University. He completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, where he also currently serves as an Instructor of Medicine. He has published and lectured on several cancer-related topics around the world and has a special interest in lymphoid malignancies – particularly lymphoma and myeloma. Currently, Brian is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology, where he treats all types of cancers and adult blood disorders. As a husband and father of two, Brian enjoys playing baseball, sailing, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family when he’s not treating patients.

“Doctors don’t make more money by providing clinical trial opportunities to patients. They probably make less – and that’s okay with us.” – Dr. Brian Burnette

This week on Cancer Covered:

Brian’s experience in cancer research and enrolling patients in clinical trials
The importance of clinical trials
The biggest myths around clinical trials for cancer research
Why doctors are obligated to request a patient’s informed consent prior to beginning any cancer treatment program, including clinical trials
How the Affordable Care Act impacted patient accessibility to participate in clinical trial research
Weighing the benefits and risks involved in clinical trial treatments
Understanding that patients are in complete control of their treatment plan and clinical trial participation
Debunking the misconceptions around data and identity security when participating in clinical trial research programs
How clinical trials have impacted the life expectancy rates and treatment plans for cancer patients

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Quality vs Quantity

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 01:00:53 -0400

In this episode of Cancer Covered: Dr. Mitch Winkler and Dr. Kamal Abbi delve into the complex dynamics of cancer treatment in the palliative setting, exploring the struggle between curative goals and the potential toll aggressive therapies can take on a patient’s quality of life. Kamal highlights the challenges patients and physicians face in understanding the trade-offs between quantity and quality of life. We also discuss the difficult decisions patients and doctors must make when weighing treatment’s benefits and potential harms. The conversation sheds light on the importance of open communication, patient advocacy, and the need for an individualized approach to cancer care.

Dr. Kamal Abbi is a highly experienced medical professional with a diverse background in oncology and hematology. Dr. Abbi completed his medical school in India and pursued his residency in internal medicine at Penn State Hershey. He further specialized in medical oncology with a fellowship at the University of Toledo and a bone and stem cell transplant fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Having worked as an allogenic and autologous stem cell transplanter for two years, Dr. Abbi transitioned to community oncology practice. Eight years of collaboration with Green Bay Oncology has enriched our approach to cancer treatment.

“Either you beat the cancer, or cancer beats you. So, I think that’s where the struggle between the physician, the patient, and the goal becomes a challenge. It’s really kind of an all-in move, isn’t it?” ~Dr. Mitch Winkler

This Week on Cancer Covered:

Stem cell transplants and bone marrow transplants are aggressive modalities of cancer therapy.
Patients facing stem cell transplants often focus on specific time intervals, but the struggle lies in how patients fare between those intervals.
The goals of transplant are often curative, which leads to a push for aggressive treatment.
Palliative care emphasizes the importance of understanding what patients hope to gain from therapy and what they are willing to risk.
Cancer treatment decisions differ based on the possibility of a cure or simply controlling the disease.
Patients and families may need clarification about treatment goals and potential outcomes.
It’s essential to balance the desire to live longer with the desire to maintain a good quality of life during treatment.
Identifying the tipping point where treatment may cause more harm than help is crucial for patient well-being.
Newer non-traditional chemotherapy agents, such as immunotherapies and oral drugs, present unique challenges in determining benefit versus harm.
Keeping an open mind about these new agents is vital as their long-term effects are still being understood.

Resources Mentioned:

ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) Performance Status: A classification system used to assess a patient’s functional status and ability to carry out daily activities, commonly used in cancer treatment decision-making.

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Bleeding Breakthrough

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 01:00:41 -0400

In this episode of Cancer Covered: Highlighting the impact of gene therapy on Mason’s life and the potential for this treatment to revolutionize the lives of individuals with bleeding disorders, Dr. Mitch Winkler, Andrea Miller, Dr. Matthew Ryan, and Mason Buxton discuss the Hemophilia Outreach Center and the advancements in gene therapy for Hemophilia B. Mason, who has Hemophilia B, shares his experience as the first patient to receive gene therapy since its FDA approval.

Andrea Miller is the nurse practitioner at the Hemophilia Outreach Center. With nine years of experience in the field, she started as a nurse and transitioned into the role of nurse practitioner. Andrea emphasizes the comprehensive care provided at the center, including access to various services such as dieticians, dental hygienists, social workers, and genetic counselors. Andrea attended Chamberlain University in Chicago, IL, and graduated with a Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner degree in Dec. 2022, completing her clinical internship at Bellin Health Family Practice.

Dr. Matthew Ryan is a physician at Green Bay Oncology and the Hemophilia Outreach Center. With 13 years of experience, Matthew highlights the connection between cancer and blood disorders, explaining that many cancer doctors also specialize in blood disorders. He discusses the historical link between hematologists and medical oncologists and the importance of both professions in providing comprehensive care.

Mason Buxton is a Hemophilia Outreach Center patient living with Hemophilia B. He shares his personal experience of living with a bleeding disorder, including the limitations it imposes on his daily life and the challenges of self-administering factor infusions. Mason also discusses his journey as the first patient to receive gene therapy for hemophilia B since its FDA approval, highlighting its positive impact on his life. Employing his love of cooking, Mason works as a full-time cook at Mulligans Sports Bar and Grill and is a graduate of Appleton East High School

“I want everybody to be able to have access to this treatment and have bleed-free futures and live a happy, normal life.” – Mason Buxton

This Week on Cancer Covered:

The Hemophilia Outreach Center provides comprehensive care to patients with bleeding disorders, offering services such as dieticians, dental hygienists, social workers, and genetic counselors.
How Factor infusions are used to replace the clotting factors missing in individuals with Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
Gene therapy for Hemophilia B involves in delivering a copy of the missing gene to the liver, allowing the patient’s body to produce its own clotting factor.
How gene therapy has shown promising results, with Mason’s factor levels increasing from 2% to 30% after the treatment.
How the Hemophilia Outreach Center is an independent organization, providing specialized care without the constraints of hospital or university regulations.
How the approval of gene therapy for Hemophilia B and Hemophilia A marks a significant advancement in the treatment of bleeding disorders.
Gene therapy can potentially revolutionize the lives of individuals with bleeding disorders, offering a more convenient and effective treatment option.

Resources:

Hemophilia Outreach Center: Provides comprehensive care for patients with bleeding disorders.
Green Bay Oncology: Offers specialized medical care for cancer and blood disorders.

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Cancer and Alcohol

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 01:00:20 -0400

Dr. Ruth Warren joins us today to discuss alcohol, cancer risk, and society’s relationship with alcohol consumption. We explore how our relationship with alcohol is conditioned at a young age and how we’re taught to love the drink as we grow up, even if we don’t like the taste. We describe the two ways of connecting and our tendency to use substances—alcohol, cannabis, and others—to enhance our experiences and the way we connect with ourselves and others. We also discuss the sober-curious movement, working on alcohol moderation and abstinence, and witnessing our life patterns without judgment. A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Medical Oncology, Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, Dr. Ruth Warren has served as a physician for Green Bay Oncology since 2008. She attended the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University. She completed her residency at the Scott & White Hospital, part of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine. She completed her fellowship in Medical Oncology at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin.

“The big question is why we need to be altered in anything, in connection to ourselves and others.” – Dr. Ruth Warren

This week on Cancer Covered:

Why do we love and consume alcohol
How we’re conditioned to love alcohol
Noah Sweat’s speech on alcohol and society’s bipolar relationship with alcohol
How people attempt to enhance their everyday experiences with alcohol
The tendency to use alcohol to avoid confronting our anxieties
How our connection with ourselves and our goodness become severed
The use of alcohol to self-soothe
Whether there are health benefits to consuming alcohol
Alcohol and cancer risk
The “Sober-curious” movement and how Ruth is rethinking her relationship with alcohol
Witnessing the life patterns we live without judgment

Connect with Dr. Ruth Warren:

Ruth Warren on LinkedIn

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Please share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

The Birth of Radiation

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 01:00:23 -0400

Michael joins us today to discuss the history of radiation treatment for various types of cancers. We discuss why it was initially perceived as a magical solution to treating cancer and why regulations were eventually implemented on the use of radiation therapy for cancer patients. We discuss how doctors obtained the radiation they needed to treat their patients in the early days of its discovery. We discuss why the public wasn’t afraid or concerned about radiation therapy to treat different ailments during the 1890s and how doctors eventually began to realize the negative effects it can have on a person’s health. We also discuss technology’s current role in our ability to safely and accurately dose radiation to treat our patients and what Michael believes we can learn from our history with radiation oncology.

Dr. Michael Guiou is a Radiation Oncologist at Green Bay Oncology, where he treats a wide range of cancer types. He is a trial participant in the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program and has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles addressing cancers of various types and treatments. Dr. Guiou obtained his medical degree from the University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento and completed his residency at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Board-certified in Radiation Oncology, Dr. Guiou has a special interest in pediatric radiation oncology, central nervous system tumors, brain and spine radiosurgery, and base of skull tumors. Dr. Guiou enjoys skiing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, camping, and watching professional soccer when he’s not treating patients.

“Proceed with caution. Sometimes that magic treatment has a darker side.” – Dr. Michael Guiou

This week on Cancer Covered:

Why radiation was initially perceived as ‘magical’ when it was initially discovered for medical use
The evolution of regulations for using radiation to treat cancer patients
How medical doctors obtained radiation to treat their patients in the 1890s
Why doctors were desperate to find more innovative and effective ways to treat cancer
How doctors eventually began to see the negative effects of radiation therapy
When clinical trials began for radiation treatment
The role of technology in our ability to dose radiation safely for our patients
How regulation and research on radiation helped drive the field of radiation therapy and oncology forward
Lessons we can learn from the history of radiation oncology

Resources Mentioned:

Book: The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Cancer Myths

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 01:00:02 -0400

This week on Cancer Covered:

Differentiating between evidence-based research and myths
Debunking common myths around cancer and cancer care
Where we believe these myths began
How oncologists decide when it’s appropriate to remove cancerous tumors surgically
Addressing ‘accurate adjacent’ myths around cancer
The dangers of changing the human body’s pH levels to try to cure a cancer diagnosis
The true relationship between cancer and sugar
The impact of a positive mindset and emotional resilience
The challenge of measuring stress and its impact on cancer care

Edgard joins us today to help debunk some of the common myths around cancer and cancer treatments. We discuss what we believe is a leading driver in cancer myths and misinformation, some of the most common myths we’ve addressed with our patients, and speculate on how some of these myths began. We discuss why sometimes surgically removing cancer cells is appropriate and while other times it may do more harm than good. We discuss some of the common ‘accurate adjacent’ myths around cancer, why we consider them as accurate adjacent, and the underlying truths associated with these myths. We also discuss why a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, and exercise are important during cancer treatments and how stress, anxiety, and a positive mindset impact the cancer journey.

With a deep passion for learning and his personal experience with caring for his parents through their cancer journey, Dr. Edgard Badine is committed to helping his patients through their cancer journey using the best available therapies and treatments with the same level of kindness and compassion he shares with his own family. Born in Lebanon, Edgard graduated medical school at the Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Beirut, Lebanon. In 2000, he moved to the United States and completed his internal medicine residency and medical oncology and hematology fellowship at Staten Island University Hospital. He also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration in General Business with an emphasis on Healthcare from Texas Tech University. Currently residing in Northeast Wisconsin, he works as a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology. During his free time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, and being outdoors with his children.

“It’s more complex than just one pathway. If we knew it was just one pathway, we probably would have eradicated cancer completely.” – Dr. Edgard Badine

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Scans: When, Why & Which One?

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 01:00:02 -0400

This week on Cancer Covered:

Why oncologists need to order scans
How scans help doctors diagnose, treat, and monitor cancer
Common misconceptions about getting follow-up scans after a cancer diagnosis
Only three cancer diagnoses that early detection has been proven to change the survival rate of patients
The difference between PET scans and CT scans and why your doctor may choose one over the other
Why a clear scan does not always mean a patient is cured
Why doctors may order a different type of scan or test even after a clear CT scan result
Why CT, PET, and MRI scans are an important part of the cancer workup and diagnostic journey
Why scans are not always helpful in determining the extent of progression, patient comfortability, or life expectancy
When and why doctors may use more targeted scans

Dr. Edgard Badine is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology. Originally from Lebanon, Dr. Badine attended medical school at the Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Beirut, Lebanon, before moving to the United States in 2000 to complete his internal medicine residency and fellowship in medical oncology and hematology at Staten Island University Hospital. He also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration in General Business with an emphasis on Healthcare from Texas Tech University. Currently residing in a friendly, welcoming community in Northeast Wisconsin, Dr. Badine enjoys traveling and exploring new places with his family.

Dr. Badine joins us again today to share the inside scoop on scans for cancer care. We discuss when and why patients and oncologists need to take scans of cancer cells, when specialized scans like CTs, PET, and MRIs are needed, and why these scans are not always helpful in deciding the next best steps for a cancer patient’s treatment plan. We explain the critical role that scans play in the care of cancer patients and discuss some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about them. We discuss some of the common misconceptions many patients have about how frequently they should receive scans after being diagnosed with cancer and why sometimes doctors will forego ordering scans for early-stage cancer patients. We explain why a clear scan doesn’t always indicate that a patient has been cured of cancer and why doctors may recommend further treatment, even after a clear scan result. We also discuss when and why oncologists may order a more targeted scan to make treatment decisions.

“The scan doesn’t tell us what will happen next. It doesn’t tell us the future.” – Dr. Edgard Badine

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Just Cut it Out!

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 01:00:05 -0400

This week on Cancer Covered:

Why surgery isn’t always the answer for treating or curing cancer
Why our ancient ancestors did not perform radical surgeries to treat cancer
The discovery of anesthesia and its impact on treating cancer
What inspired Dr. Halstead to explore using surgery as a treatment option for breast cancer
Realizing that radical mastectomies are not the ‘end-all-be-all’ cure for treating breast cancer
The health and physical impacts of undergoing radical mastectomies
The history and development of lumpectomies
Understanding what modified radical mastectomies are and when it’s appropriate to perform them
Preventing breast cancer diagnoses in high-risk patients through bilateral mastectomy surgery
What cancer physicians can learn from Dr. Halstead’s career as a cancer doctor

Matthew joins us again today to discuss the origins of surgery for treating cancer. We talk about why sometimes, surgery isn’t always the answer for treating or curing cancer and why our ancestors believed the best way to treat cancer was to simply leave it alone.

We explore the development of anesthesia, which transformed how doctors viewed using surgery as a way to treat certain cancers, how radical mastectomies impact a woman’s health and quality of life, and how the discovery of using lumpectomy surgeries to treat breast cancer and differences between radical mastectomies and modified radical mastectomies. We also delve into when it’s appropriate to suggest a bilateral mastectomy to patients who are severely at risk of developing breast cancer.

Born and raised in Southwest Iowa, Dr. Matthew Ryan graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in aerospace engineering before attending medical school at the University of Iowa. While there, he completed his residency and oncology and hematology fellowships at the Mayo Clinic, where he developed the clinical practice guidelines for their oncology tumor group. As a board-certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology, Matthew currently treats all types of cancers and adult blood disorders and serves as a trial participant for the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program.

“Cancer is a systemic disease. What you can see on the surface, or on the scans, doesn’t represent all of the cancer.” – Dr. Matthew Ryan

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Healthcare Burnout

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 01:00:51 -0400

Karianne and Tom join us today to discuss healthcare worker burnout and its impact on cancer care delivery. We discuss the importance of taking breaks and time off to manage the challenges of working in oncology and its unique stressors. We examine the shortage of healthcare professionals in 2020 that was caused by pandemic working conditions and explore the symptoms of burnout, strategies, coping mechanisms to prevent it, the importance of seeking support and investing in self-care, and the desperate need for healthcare reform.

Karianne Arendt is a highly skilled professional specializing in Oncology for over half a decade, boasting more than a decade of overall nursing experience. Her educational background is comprehensive, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Stevens Point, followed by nursing at NWTC, and finally, achieving her Bachelors’s in Nursing from St. John’s. Fueled by a deep-seated desire to significantly impact her patients’ lives, Karianne’s nursing career employs her empathetic nature to cultivate unique patient relationships. She thrives on continual learning, staying on top of the dynamic cancer care landscape. On a personal note, Karianne is a loving mother of three sports enthusiasts who enjoy reading, exercising, and summer boating activities with friends and family.

Dr. Tom Bekkers, a distinguished psychotherapist, focuses on supporting patients and their families to navigate the demanding terrain of cancer-related challenges. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, complimented by a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a minor in Spanish from Marquette University. Tom’s mission is to empower people to build effective coping mechanisms, improving their life quality. His extensive services encompass psychotherapy for shifting health conditions, lifestyle adaptations, managing interpersonal relationships, and therapies for dealing with death, grief, and dying. Tom showcases his proficiency in managing grief as a co-author of The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse. On a personal front, Tom is a devoted husband and father who finds joy in gardening, camping, sports, and church activities.

“We’re wired in a certain way to care for others in a way that others may not be able or willing to do.” – Tom Bekkers

This week on Cancer Covered:

Understanding what burnout is
Why healthcare workers are often at risk of developing burnout
Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness to recognize burnout and your emotional state
The value of seeking help and support when necessary
Establishing healthy boundaries
How the pandemic impacted the challenges many healthcare professionals have faced since 2020
Dealing with value conflicts and moral distress in the healthcare field
Establishing a self-care routine
Advocating for administrative reform and pushing for comprehensive healthcare reform

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

How to Talk to Your Doctor

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 01:00:18 -0400

“Communication is a collaborative endeavor. It requires clarification, resetting, and recalibration all the way through the therapeutic relationship, at every level of where you connect with your healthcare team.” – Dr. Mitch Winkler

Good healthcare starts with good communication. But despite good intentions, patients often visit their oncologists with a huge knowledge gap and a lot of anxiety. They get a lot of information thrown at them and have to learn very quickly at a time when they may not be in the best mental state to absorb a lot of information. Coupling the fact that anxiety typically impedes learning significantly with a doctor’s often limited amount of time, we often lack the critical communications training or skills – and even struggle ourselves – to bridge that gap.

In this episode, I discuss how to bridge the communication gap between newly diagnosed patients and their oncologists and share tips on how patients can approach common conversations in the cancer clinic. I discuss how and when you should ask for a second opinion and why you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for one. I explain why you shouldn’t ask about what ‘stage’ your cancer is in and why you should, instead, ask about the prognosis of your cancer. I also discuss why you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about asking for more information, asking basic questions, or asking your doctor for further clarification about your diagnosis and why you should only ask questions when you truly want a direct answer.

This week on Cancer Covered:

How to ask about treatment-related side effects
How and when to ask for a second opinion
Why you should ask about the prognosis of your cancer diagnosis
Why you shouldn’t ask about your life expectancy
Why you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about asking basic questions or for more clarification about your cancer diagnosis or treatment
Why you should only ask questions you truly want a direct answer to

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support groups facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Cancer Through Time

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 01:00:37 -0400

“Cancer is as ancient as we are.” – Dr. Matthew Ryan

Dr. Ryan joins us today to discuss cancer in the ancient world and why it often seems more familiar than many people realize. We discuss the origins of cancer, how Darius the Great’s wife, Atossa, was diagnosed with cancer, and how her feelings and emotions about her condition were similar to how many women feel today when diagnosed with cancer. We discuss how the Ancient Greeks studied and described cancer, how it was treated during ancient times, how they performed the world’s first mastectomy to treat breast cancer, and how successful they were in treating it. We also debunk some of the myths about cancer’s origins and our historical efforts to treat and cure it.

Dr. Matthew Ryan is a fellow Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology. After earning a degree in aerospace engineering at Iowa State University, Dr. Ryan went on to obtain his medical degree at the University of Iowa. While completing his residency and oncology and hematology fellowships at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, he developed the clinical practice guidelines for the organization’s oncology tumor group. As a Board Certified Physician in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology, Dr. Ryan currently treats all types of cancers and adult blood disorders. He enjoys reading and spending time with his family when he’s not treating patients.

This week on Cancer Covered:

Atossa’s cancer diagnosis journey
The history of cancer and how the Ancient Greeks described it
Treatment options available in the ancient world
The world’s first mastectomy
The similarities between women with neglected breast cancer today vs. those with it during Ancient Greek times
Debunking the myths around the origins of cancer

Resources Mentioned:

Book: The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support groups facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Research: What's on the Horizon?

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 01:00:56 -0400

“With more sophisticated testing we can move away from general estimates to more precise ones, guiding treatment.”– Dr. Brian Burnette

Dr. Ryan and Dr. Burnette join us today to discuss what’s on the horizon for cancer research. We discuss the exciting progress that has been made in cancer research, particularly immunotherapy treatments, and how it has revolutionized cancer treatment over the past five years. We discuss its potential in treating early-stage cancers in conjunction with surgery and radiation. We explore the concept of circulating tumor DNA and its implications for personalized treatment plans and early disease detection. We also discuss the advent of adjuvant therapies, how they help enhance cancer-free survival rates – particularly in colon cancer patients – and the importance of ongoing clinical trials in refining these revolutionary approaches in cancer treatment.

Originally from Upper Michigan, Dr. Brian Burnette, MD, is a renowned medical oncologist and hematologist committed to providing the best possible care to his patients in Green Bay and beyond. A celebrated alumnus of Michigan State and the Mayo Clinic, he brings his wealth of experience to the table, treating a wide range of cancers and adult blood disorders. Known for his empathetic and pragmatic approach, Dr. Burnette places great emphasis on creating individualized treatment plans, keeping his patients’ priorities at heart. As a respected name in his field, he has published and lectured internationally on cancer-related topics, further demonstrating his dedication to improving oncology practices. When he’s not making a difference in the medical world, Dr. Burnette cherishes his time with family and indulges in his passion for baseball, sailing, fishing, and hunting.

Dr. Matthew Ryan, MD, a distinguished medical oncologist and hematologist, brings a unique blend of compassion, focus, and expertise to his patients. Born and educated in Iowa, Dr. Ryan’s educational journey began with an aerospace engineering degree from Iowa State University before pivoting to medicine at the University of Iowa. This versatile background fuels his thoughtful approach to treating all types of cancer and adult blood disorders. He honed his skills during a residency and fellowships at the acclaimed Mayo Clinic, and his contributions extend beyond patient care, having developed clinical practice guidelines for the Mayo Clinic’s oncology tumor group. Away from the hospital, he relishes family time and delves into his reading hobby, providing a well-rounded persona that resonates with his patients.

This week on Cancer Covered:

Recent advancements in immune therapy and its increasing role in cancer treatment
The shift of immunotherapy application to adjuvant areas and its potential in improving overall survival rates
The concept of using immunotherapy in conjunction with surgery or radiation
Understanding the term ‘advent’ and its implication in cancer treatment
Personalized treatment approaches using tools like immunotherapy
Promising techniques currently used to treat breast cancer and improve patient care
The role of complete path0logic response in predicting long-term outcomes in curing cancer
Using circulating tumor DNA assay in refining treatment approaches
The importance of sophisticated testing in providing more precise estimates of a patient’s recurrence risk
The potential use of circulating tumor DNA in determining the presence of microscopic disease and improving outcomes in cancer treatment

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support groups facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Scanxiety

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 01:00:25 -0400

This week on Cancer Covered:

The prevalence of anxiety among cancer patients
Abe’s experience with testicular cancer
Developing strategies for managing stress and anxiety related to a cancer diagnosis and treatment
The value of increasing communication with medical professionals to ensure you fully understand your diagnosis and treatment plan
Addressing the emotional and psychological impact of follow-up scans
Recognizing and prioritizing self-care and seeking support from friends and family
When to consider seeking therapy or counseling to help cope with the emotional impact of cancer

Tom Bekkers is a seasoned psychotherapist specializing in helping patients and their loved ones navigate the complex challenges associated with cancer. With his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Tom has cultivated a holistic approach to therapy, offering support in lifestyle adjustments, interpersonal relationship dynamics, and coping mechanisms to deal with grief and loss. As a dedicated facilitator of a monthly cancer support group at Green Bay Oncology, Tom extends his empathetic expertise to a group setting, reinforcing his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all patients. Outside of his professional role, Tom is the co-author of The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse, which demonstrates his expansive understanding of the human capacity to heal and recover. In his personal time, Tom is an avid gardener, camper, sports enthusiast, and active church member, as well as a happily married father of two.

Abe Farley currently works as a Project Manager at SMA Construction Services in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With an extensive background in the construction industry, he has tackled various roles – from concrete work to executive positions and everything in between. He thrives on outdoor activities and sports, often engaging in them with his wife and their 16-year-old son. In 2008, Abe was diagnosed with testicular cancer. For the last 14 years, he has been a cancer survivor and is a beacon of hope for other cancer patients.

Abe and Tom join us today to discuss the anxiety that patients often feel while waiting for scan results. Abe shares his journey with testicular cancer and recounts the fear, anxiety, and confusion he felt while going through treatment and waiting for scan results. We discuss how Abe coped with his anxiety and fear of the unknown and the value of communicating with your doctor to ensure you fully understand your diagnosis and treatment plan. We discuss the emotional and psychological impact of follow-up scans and the importance of seeking support from family and friends. We also share self-care strategies for managing anxiety and discuss the role of healthcare professionals in providing support and when you should consider seeking therapy or counseling.

“Stay busy. Try to do whatever self-care strategy you can do to help take care of those basic needs of eating, sleeping, exercise.” – Tom Bekkers

Connect with Tom Bekkers:

Book: The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse

Connect with Abe Farley:

Abe Farley on LinkedIn

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support groups facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Death is Part of Our Job

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:00:07 -0500

David and Caitlin join us today to discuss how cancer invades our lives, moving from our professional life into our personal space. Caitlin shares how her father was diagnosed with three different types of cancer and how she felt about the overnight transition from visiting her husband at work for lunch to regularly visiting the clinic as her father’s caregiver. We discuss how our role as medical oncologists can impact how we handle death in our personal lives and how David and Caitlin talk to their children about death and dying, the uncomfortable convergence between our personal and professional lives when someone we know and love is diagnosed with terminal cancer, and what it’s like when we need to take care of a colleague’s family member. They also share their memories and experiences of involving hospice care, how grief and the grieving process impacts people differently, and how Caitlin’s father passing away impacted their perspectives on death and dying.

Born and raised in Marshalltown, IA, Dr. David Groteluschen is a Medical Oncologist at Green Bay Oncology, treating many types of cancers and adult blood disorders. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology and holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of Iowa. David attended medical school at the University of Iowa College of Medicine and completed his internship, residency, and oncology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He has authored multiple trials in lung and pancreatic cancer and co-authored many in lung and gastrointestinal malignancies. When he’s not working, Dr. David enjoys playing basketball, tennis, and skiing, traveling and attending concerts, and spending time with his family.

David’s wife, Caitlin Groteluschen, is a Registered Dietician and Certified Lactation Counselor. She has experience working in private healthcare practices and hospitals, including as a Registered Dietician at UW Health. In 2004, Caitlin earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“Your relationships strengthen in different ways, and you just embrace that.” – Caitlin Groteluschen

This week on Cancer Covered:

How aware Caitlin was about the death and dying aspect of David’s job before her father’s diagnosis
How Caitlin’s father was diagnosed with three different types of cancer
Transitioning from an oncologist’s wife to becoming a cancer patient’s caregiver
The emotional and logistical challenges David faced following Caitlin’s father’s diagnosis
Having open conversations with children about death and dying
The emotional drawbacks of compartmentalizing death
What it was like for Mitch to care for David’s father-in-law
The emotional turmoil that occurs when we know that better treatment options are on the horizon but are still too far out of reach for our loved ones
How patients cope differently with hope and determining when enough is enough
What it was like to involve hospice care and watching a patient or loved one pass away
How grief impacts people differently
How physicians offer support and comfort to terminally ill patients and grieving families
How Caitlin’s, David’s, and Mitch’s attitudes and perspectives about death and dying changed after Caitlin’s father passed away

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

How to have Difficult Conversations

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 00:00:45 -0500

This week, we discuss what makes some conversations more difficult than others and why they’re so important to have with our patients. We discuss why oncologists should acknowledge and embrace the ‘uncomfortableness’ of having difficult conversations with their patients and share tips for delivering serious or difficult news. We discuss what ‘Red Level Concerns’ are and share tips to help healthcare professionals handle them more effectively and empathetically. We also discuss why it’s critical to validate a patient’s or caregiver’s concerns without passing judgment and the importance of remaining calm while having these difficult conversations with your patients.

No matter how smart or well-trained you are, difficult conversations can be challenging. Our knowledge and training simply don’t prepare us for the real-time, raw emotions our patients experience when we tell them they have cancer. And it’s in those moments that we, as healthcare professionals, often feel uncomfortable and helpless. We become oncologists because we want to help people, but how do you help a patient when you feel helpless when your patient is experiencing waves of emotions after hearing difficult news?

“Emotional heat doesn’t have to burn. Sometimes, people lash out emotionally. The person who remains calm is the one with power.” – Kyla King

This week on Cancer Covered:

Understanding what a ‘Red Level Concern’ is
Tips for handling ‘Red Level Concern’ conversations for healthcare workers
Acknowledging and embracing the ‘uncomfortableness’ of having difficult conversations
The importance of remaining calm during a difficult conversation
Identifying when a patient’s frustration and emotional lashing out becomes abusive or inappropriate
Validating a patient’s or caregiver’s concerns without judgement
How Kyla helps patients resolve ‘Red Level Concerns’
Why you should never promise things you cannot personally fulfill or deliver
Tips for delivering serious or difficult news to patients
Avoiding over-talking and over-explaining
Assessing and acknowledging the patient’s emotions
The importance of getting the patient’s permission to discuss conversations around life expectancy
Ensuring patients understand the information they received during a difficult conversation

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Mastering Communication with Seriously Ill Patients by James Tulsky, Anthony Back, and Robert Arnold
Book: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Anatomy of Difficult Conversations

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:24 -0500

This week, we discuss the anatomy of a difficult conversation. We discuss the impact of delaying or avoiding a difficult conversation and explore what makes some conversations more difficult than others. We discuss how our emotions play a role in our interactions with patients and how we can cope with these emotions to improve patient care. We also discuss why healthcare workers must identify the difference between their feelings and their patients’ emotions and the steps we can take to set clear, healthy boundaries between our emotions and those of our patients.

Everyone dreads difficult conversations. But at some point in our career, regardless of our job title or description, we all face the challenge of having difficult conversations with our patients. And it’s not just doctors. Sometimes difficult things can become easier if we deconstruct them. Taking the mystery and fear out of what they are can help us cope better and become better at having these conversations with others.

“All progress lies at the end of an unpleasant conversation.” – Mitch Winkler

This week on Cancer Covered:

Why healthcare workers shouldn’t avoid having difficult conversations with their patients
What makes some conversations more difficult than others
The two key emotional components that cause people to dread difficult conversations
Understanding empathy and compassion
Understanding and setting boundaries between your emotions and the patient’s emotions

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Ron McMillan, Joseph Grenny, Al Switzler, and Kerry Patterson

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone when you need the most support.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Care Close to Home: Our Commitment

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 00:00:46 -0500

This week, Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Ruth Warren, and Dr. Matthew Ryan join us to discuss our oncologists’ sacrifices to bring cancer care closer to home for our patients. We discuss the average costs and time investments associated with traveling to outreach clinics to provide cancer care to patients and what they do to plan and prepare for travel. We discuss the common mistakes they’ve made when traveling to outreach clinics, the amount of time they’ve spent away from their family and friends to treat our patients, and how they cope with spending so much time away from their loved ones. We also discuss why Green Bay Oncology decided to purchase a property near our outreach clinics and how our perspectives have changed since we began offering outreach clinic treatment.

Dr. Brian Burnette is an Upper Michigan native who graduated at the top of his class at Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine. After graduating, he completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. Today, he serves as a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology, where he treats all types of cancers. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Burnette enjoys spending time with his wife and children, playing basketball, fishing, sailing, and hunting.

Dr. Ruth Warren attended Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Texas A&M Health Science Center College’s Scott & White Hospital. Following graduation, Dr. Warren completed her Medical Oncology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. She currently works as a Medical Oncologist at Green Bay Oncology, treating all types of cancers and blood disorders. She is passionate about oncological research and the continued promise that new treatment options offer to cancer patients.

Before attending medical school, Dr. Matthew Ryan attended Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in aerospace engineering. After graduating, he went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Iowa and completed his oncology and hematology fellowships at the Mayo Clinic. Today, he serves as a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology, treating all types of cancers and blood disorders and participating in the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program trials. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Ryan can often be found reading or spending time with his wife, Jenna, and their two children.

“Traveling the way we do – it’s a grind. There’s no doubt about it. But, that said, I would make this choice over and over and over again.” – Dr. Ruth Warren

This week on Cancer Covered:

The sacrifices our doctors make to provide treatment and support to our outreach clinic patients
Average costs and time investments for our doctors to treat patients closer to their homes
How our doctors plan and prepare for traveling to our outreach clinics
Creating a routine to pass the time while driving to our outreach clinics
What it would take for our doctors to cancel their travel plans to our outreach clinics
Mistakes they’ve made when traveling to outreach clinics
How they cope with spending time away from family and loved ones
Why we purchased a property near our outreach clinic

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Care Close to Home: Why it's Important

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:19 -0500

Dr. Tony Jaslowski joins us today to discuss why providing cancer care close to home is important. We discuss the travel expenses often associated with receiving cancer treatments and why they often cause patients to delay their treatment. We discuss how often many cancer patients need to visit the oncologist for cancer treatments and how they typically feel after a round of treatment. We also discuss the psychological benefits of receiving cancer treatment at medical facilities closer to home as well as how outreach clinics impact the local communities.

Dr. Tony Jaslowski is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his medical degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. Tony completed his internship and fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Prior to joining the Green Bay Oncology family, Tony served as a military consultant to the Surgeon General for medical oncology and hematology and was twice awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award by Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. Tony is passionate about ensuring patients are provided with the very best treatment choices to fight cancer. During his free time, Tony enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, playing racquetball at the YMCA, biking, and gardening.

“It’s not ‘what’s convenient for me?’ or ‘what’s convenient for the staff?’ It’s ‘what’s best for the patient and their families?” – Dr. Tony Jaslowski

This week on Cancer Covered:

Why some cancer patients may delay their cancer treatments
Travel expenses associated with receiving cancer treatments
How cancer outreach clinics help ensure patients receive the care they need
How patients often feel after receiving cancer treatment
The psychological benefits of receiving cancer care close to home
Why Green Bay Oncology is committed to providing patients with cancer care close to home
How cancer outreach clinics help local communities

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Care Close to Home: How it Started

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:00:31 -0500

When you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, the last thing you want to think about is, ‘How will I get to my treatment appointments.’ Yet, this is something many cancer patients nationwide often struggle with – especially those who live in smaller, more rural towns. While most cancer treatment clinics require patients to come to their facility for treatment, some clinics – like Green Bay Oncology – go above and beyond to ensure patients receive the care they need. And we do this by (literally) driving hundreds of miles out of our way almost every day of every week to all corners of Northeastern Wisconsin and upper Michigan. And while traveling this distance so frequently can prove to be challenging for our staff, we know it’s also what makes Green Bay Oncology the best at providing phenomenal, top-quality care to our patients.

In this episode, we speak with Green Bay Oncology’s founders, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Gerald Bayer, on how our outreach clinics began and what inspired us to provide patients with cancer care closer to home. We discuss how patients would often have to travel at least 100 miles to receive the medical care they needed and the challenges they faced when starting the clinics. We also discuss the partnerships they established early on to make outreach clinics possible, the type of equipment they would carry during their travels, and the mistakes and mishaps they experienced while traveling to the outreach clinics.

“It was extremely beneficial for our patients directly, but it was also beneficial for the communities at large.” – Dr. Skip McGovern

This week on Cancer Covered:

How Green Bay Oncology’s outreach clinics began
The initial challenges we faced when starting the outreach clinics
The partnerships we made with other medical practitioners
The equipment our outreach providers would need to transport with them to the outreach clinics

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Death is Loss, Not Losing

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:53 -0500

Matt Malcore is a 5th generation funeral director and Malcore Funeral Home & Crematory owner. Since he was a young boy, Matt hoped that he could serve the Green Bay community the way his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather have for over 100 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UW-Stevens Point and Associates’s degree in Applied Sciences from Worsham College. He has coached for the Green Bay Strikers as well as Notre Dame Academy and is a proud member of the Green Bay and De Pere Antiquarian Society. During his free time, Matt enjoys playing in the NWSL adult soccer league for Westchester United and spending time with his wife, Lisa, their children, Violet and Oliver, and their faithful companion, Evie.

Matt joins us today to discuss the importance of preparing for the inevitability of death. Matt explains why he believes most Americans are in denial about their mortality and why families often avoid conversations about death and dying. We discuss how the medical community has realized the damaging effects of avoiding the conversation of death, what can happen by denying the inevitable, and how hope can still exist even in the face of death. We also discuss the steps we should take to prepare ourselves and our loved ones in the event of our passing suddenly, the importance of understanding how Powers of Attorney work in your state, and the important things you should include in your end-of-life planning folder.

“There’s hope beyond our passing.” – Matt Malcore

This week on Cancer Covered:

How Matt became a funeral director
The unique way children handle death
Why Matt believes many people are in denial about their mortality
Why do families often avoid having conversations about death and dying
The pros and cons of hospice care vs. hospital care when preparing for the end of life
The damaging effects of avoiding the conversation about the inevitable
Creating an ‘If I Die” folder for your spouse and loved ones and what it should include
How hope can still exist, even in the face of death
Matt’s advice on acknowledging our mortality
What we should do to prepare ourselves and our loved ones for our death
Understanding how Powers of Attorney work in your state
How Malcore Funeral Home helps the community pre-plan for the end of life

Connect with Matt Malcore:

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

My Doctor Stuck His Boot in His Mouth

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:00:20 -0500

Dr. Burnette and Erika join us today to discuss the power dynamics between doctors and patients and why some people are often surprised when conflicts arise between doctors and patients. We discuss the letter Erika sent to Green Bay Oncology that expressed deep concerns about a comment Dr. Burnette made during one of her appointments, how we addressed her concerns, and how we perceived it as an opportunity to learn and improve our patient care. We discuss why some patients avoid expressing their negative thoughts and feelings about their care to their doctors or advanced practitioners and what Erika would like more oncology doctors to remember when speaking with their patients. They also share their advice to patients who may be frustrated with their doctor’s bedside manner, why doctors should lean on the other care team members to ensure top-quality care, and how their doctor-patient relationship has evolved after this experience.

After graduating at the top of his class from Michigan State, Dr. Brian Burnette completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology. Currently, He works at Green Bay Oncology, treating all types of cancer and adult blood disorders, with a special interest in lymphoid malignancies – particularly myeloma and lymphoma. He has published multiple full-length, peer-reviewed articles and lectures on various cancer-related topics. When Dr. Burnette isn’t helping patients or conducting seminars, he enjoys hunting, fishing, sailing, and playing baseball as well as spending time with his wife and their two children.

Erika Balza is a retired paralegal and currently owns a bookkeeping, payroll, consulting, and HR advisory business. She is also the co-owner of REB Electric alongside her husband, Rob. In 2015, Erika was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. For the last 5 years, Erika’s cancer has been in remission, showing no signs of active disease. She regularly teaches a class with Dr. Brian Burnette on “Breaking Bad News to Patients” to medical students. Erika enjoys spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and six cats when she’s not working or teaching.

“Listen and focus on the patient.” – Erika Balza

This week on Cancer Covered:

Conflicts between doctors and patients
Erika’s letter to the Green Bay Oncology Cancer Center
Mediating conflicts between doctors and patients
Why doctors should pay attention to the words and phrases they use with their patients
Why Dr. Burnette told Erika to “toughen up and go home” and what he really meant
Why do patients often not express their concerns and negative thoughts to their doctor
What Erika wants oncology doctors to remember while talking with patients
Their advice to cancer patients that are frustrated about their doctor’s care and bedside manner
When to consider switching providers
Why doctors should leverage the other members of the patient care team to ensure optimal care
What inspired the idea to start the “Breaking Bad News to Patients” seminar to medical students
What Dr. Burnette’s and Erika’s doctor-patient relationship is like today

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Which One of You is my Doctor?

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:00:29 -0500

Dr. Burnette and Dr. Ryan join us today to discuss one of the most common questions we receive from our patients at Green Bay Oncology: “Which one of you is my doctor?” We discuss the difference between visiting your primary care doctor and your oncologist and why it may be impossible to see the same oncology doctor at each visit. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of seeing multiple oncology providers versus maintaining the ‘one doctor, one patient’ approach to cancer care. We share ideas on how we can further improve the multiple-provider approach to patient care and how oncology teams can address the needs of their patients seeking an emotional bond with their physicians. We also discuss how oncology physicians and advanced practice providers can make the multi-provider approach feel like the gold standard of cancer care for patients.

Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Matthew Ryan are Medical Oncologists and Hematologists at Green Bay Oncology. Residing in Green Bay, Dr. Burnett grew up in Upper Michigan before graduating at the top of his class at Michigan State and completing his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology. At Green Bay Oncology, he treats all types of cancer and adult blood disorders. He is the author of multiple full-length, peer-reviewed articles and lectures on various cancer-related topics. When he’s not helping patients receive the best cancer treatment and care possible, Dr. Burnette enjoys playing baseball, sailing, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his wife, Anna, and their two children.

Dr. Matthew Ryan was born and raised in southwest Iowa. After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in aerospace engineering, Dr. Ryan attended medical school at the University of Iowa and completed his residency and oncology and hematology fellowships at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. While working with the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Ryan developed the clinical practice guidelines for their oncology tumor group. As a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology, Dr. Ryan currently treats all types of cancer and adult blood disorders at Green Bay Oncology. When he’s not ensuring his patients receive the best care possible, he enjoys reading and spending time with his wife, Jenna, and their two children.

“The imprint can be with the team, not just the individual.” – Dr. Matthew Ryan

This week on Cancer Covered:

Managing new patient expectations
The advantages and disadvantages of seeing more than one provider
The silo effect that occurs in the ‘one patient, one doctor’ approach to cancer care
Ways to further improve the multiple-provider approach to patient care
Addressing the need for patients to emotionally bond with each member of their oncology team
The importance of Standardized Care Plans
How thorough documentation and note-taking impact patient care
How patient access to their medical records has improved physician accountability and patient care
The value of standardized training for medical staff and Advanced Practice Providers
Taking time to review your patient’s records before their visit
How to lessen the impact of making a change or delay to a patient’s care plan
3 key ways physicians and APPs can make the multi-provider approach feel like the gold standard of cancer care

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

When Doctors and Nurses Annoy Each Other: Part III

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 01:15:13 -0500

Kylie and Brittany join us again to discuss the emotional hazards we face as oncology doctors and nurses. We discuss the challenge of being self-aware of our emotional state as oncology doctors and why it’s okay for nurses to ‘check in’ with physicians when the physician is experiencing symptoms of compassion fatigue. We discuss how opening communication pathways between physicians and nurses can help reduce and mitigate frustration and aggravation in the workplace. We also discuss the least helpful traits physicians and nurses can have and the stereotypical traits many nurses have that doctors admire most.

At the age of 14, Brittany Cook delivered her niece on her bathroom floor while on the phone with 911. Since then, she knew she wanted a career that allowed her to help people. After graduating high school, she decided to attend NorthEast Wisconsin Technical School to earn her Associate’s degree in Nursing, then began working as a Critical Care Nurse at various hospitals. She worked in this role for many years before deciding to shift her career path to becoming an oncology nurse. Today, Brittany focuses her career on helping cancer patients as Green Bay Oncology’s Care Manager.

For nearly 5 years, Kylie Thews has dedicated her career to helping cancer patients receive treatment and care. As one of Green Bay Oncology’s Infusion nurses, she has helped countless patients receive the care and treatment they deserve. Kylie is a Registered Nurse and Oncology Nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Rasmussen College. Following her education, Kylie worked at Gilda’s Club, where she quickly realized she wanted to work at a healthcare facility that allowed her to be hands-on in treating cancer patients. Kylie’s unwavering devotion and passion eventually led her to receive the esteemed 2019 Green Bay Oncology Karen Klarkowski Education Award.

“Sometimes the right thing to do is to be a pain in somebody’s ass.” – Mitch Winkler

This week on Cancer Covered:

The emotional hazards of being an oncology doctor or nurse
Why it’s sometimes difficult for doctors to be self-aware of their emotional state
Checking in with physicians showing symptoms of compassion fatigue
Understanding negativity bias
Physician and nurse traits we believe are least helpful
Dealing with doctors that undermine your nursing education
Why do doctors assume nurses ask questions without reason
Stereotypical traits doctors have that many nurses wish they had, and vice versa

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Creating a Drama-Free Workplace: The Insider’s Guide to Managing Conflict, Incivility & Mistrust by Anna Maravelas

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

When Doctors and Nurses Annoy Each Other: Part II

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 01:00:56 -0500

Brittany and Kylie join us again today to discuss how oncology doctors and nurses sometimes annoy each other, We discuss how doctors and nurses teaching and working styles vary, how they approach a patient case differently, and how these differences in patient care approaches can sometimes lead to tension in the workplace. We discuss the balancing act between providing quantity of life and quality of life for our patients and why it’s critical for oncology doctors and nurses to stay focused on providing both. We discuss why nurses often feel like they’re the ‘middle man’ between doctors, patients, and other clinic departments and how that can often lead to heightened frustration. We also discuss how doctors and nurses work together to achieve the same goal – despite the different styles they use to achieve it – and the challenges associated with getting caught in a patient’s ‘emotional crossfire.’

Kylie Thews is an RN and OCN at Green Bay Oncology’s Infusion department. For nearly 5 years, she has helped patients receiving cancer treatment and care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Rasmussen College. After graduating and following her work at Gilda’s Club, Kylie quickly realized she wanted to work at a facility where she could be hands-on in helping and treating cancer patients. Her unwavering passion and dedication led her to become the recipient of the 2019 Green Bay Oncology Karen Klarkowski Education Award.

Brittany Cook has spent her life helping others. From the young age of 14, Brittany delivered her niece on her bathroom floor while speaking with 911 operators. From that moment, Brittany knew her dream career was to help others. That’s when she decided to become a nurse. After receiving her Associate’s degree in Nursing from Northeast Wisconsin Technical School, Brittany began working as a Critical Care Nurse at various hospitals until she decided to focus her career on helping cancer patients. Today, Brittany serves as Green Bay Oncology’s Care Manager, ensuring patients receive the best care possible.

“Quantity of life is important, but we also want to make sure that in that quantity, we’re providing good quality of life.” – Brittany Cook

This week on Cancer Covered:

How doctors and nurses approach a patient case differently
What we believe often causes tension between doctors and nurses
Balancing quantity and quality of life
Why do nurses often feel like the ‘middle man’ between doctors, other departments, and the patients
How doctors and nurses work as a team, despite focusing on different aspects of a patient’s care
Determining which ‘hills’ are important to focus on in a patient’s care plan
Getting caught in the emotional crossfire
Understanding ‘Sophmore Syndrome”

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

When Doctors and Nurses Annoy Each Other: Part I

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:45:21 -0500

Kylie and Brittany join us today to share their journey into oncology nurses’ roles and explain their responsibilities as a Care Manager and Infusion Nurse. We discuss some of the common challenges many oncology nurses face in their day-to-day careers and what they believe should be an oncology nurse’s primary focus and responsibility. We discuss the common causes of patient-doctor misunderstandings, how each patient responds to a cancer diagnosis and treatment plan differently, and how oncology nurses help bridge the misalignment gap when helping patients cope and understand their diagnosis and treatment options. We discuss what it means to take care of the ‘whole patient and the benefits of taking a holistic approach to patient care. We also explain why oncology nurses are often not allowed to make certain medical decisions for their patients, how they can play an active role in a patient’s care plan, and the role of trust in a doctor-nurse working relationship.

Kylie Thews is an RN and Oncology Certified Nurse currently working in the Infusion department at Green Bay Oncology. She has worked as an Oncology Nurse for approximately 5 years, helping patients receive cancer treatments and care. Holding dual Bachelor’s degrees, Kylie graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Rehabilitation Psychology as well as received a degree in Nursing from Rasmussen College. She is also the recipient of the 2019 Green Bay Oncology Karen Klarkowski Education Award.

At the age of 14, Brittany Cook delivered her niece on the bathroom floor while on the phone with 911. From that moment, she knew she wanted a career that allowed her to help people. Following high school, Brittany obtained her Associate’s degree in Nursing from Northeast Wisconsin Technical School and then began working as a Critical Care nurse at various hospitals. Over the course of her career, she shifted her career focus and became an Oncology Certified Nurse. With a decade of experience in nursing, Brittany currently serves as the Care Manager at Green Bay Oncology and believes the strength she sees from our patients is incredibly admirable.

“Sometimes you have to take a step back.” – Brittany Cook

This week on Cancer Covered:

How Brittany’s and Kylie’s careers began in oncology
The role and responsibilities of a Care Manager and Infusion Nurse
Common challenges that Care Managers and Infusion Nurses face in their day-to-day jobs
What Kylie and Brittany believe an oncology nurse’s primary responsibility should be
How oncology nurses help support and advocate for their patient’s care
Getting to the root cause of patient-doctor misunderstandings and misalignments
How a doctor’s personality and teaching style impacts the way patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options
How oncology nurses take care of the whole patient
The primary responsibility of an oncology doctor
How oncology nurses can influence a patient’s care plan
How trust plays a role in doctor-nurse working relationships

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Our Mission

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:30:57 -0500

In this episode, we sat down with Green Bay Oncology’s founders – Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Gerald Bayer again as well as Dr. Tony Jaslowski, a practicing oncologist and hematologist at Green Bay Oncology. We discuss how a service and ethics team approach was established from the very beginning of our practice. We discuss how we continue to work toward keeping that ethos and culture alive and thriving at GBO today. We discuss how they promoted teamwork, camaraderie, and equality during the organization’s infancy and their shared values for putting the patient’s needs first before focusing on the bottom line. We discuss our mission to maintain an honest, compassionate practice of care and how this mission has been recognized as our practice’s – and our founders’ – legacy. We also discuss how clinical research trials began at GBO and how cancer research has evolved over the last three decades.

Caring for our patients is a gift they give to us. It’s something our founders at Green Bay Oncology have never forgotten. And it’s something every oncologist should remember.

“Standardization of care is the ultimate vision for where we want this to go so everybody can have the best results.” – Dr. Skip McGovern

This week on Cancer Covered:

Treating each other as equals promotes teamwork
Putting the patient’s needs first
Our mission is to provide honest, compassionate care
The differences between a profit-driven practice vs a service-driven practice
How clinical research trials began at GBO
Understanding what an IRB is and what they do
How clinical research impacts communities

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Cancer Care Then & Now

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:15:48 -0500

Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, Dr. Gerald Bayer, and Dr. Tony Jaslowski join us again today to discuss the evolution of cancer care, what cancer treatment plans were like when Green Bay Oncology first began, and the treatment options that are currently available to oncologists and patients. We discuss how cancer research has improved the life expectancy of many patients with various types of cancer over the last several decades. They share the most memorable cancer treatment developments that occurred over the course of their careers and the cancer drugs they were glad to see retire. We also discuss how the introduction of in-home hospice care has significantly improved the quality of life for terminally ill cancer patients and how the number of cancer patients being admitted into the hospital for cancer treatment side effects has been impacted by the development of modern drug treatment options.

Cancer research and treatment have come a long way over the last few decades. From having only a handful of treatment options and medications at our disposal in the late 1970s and early 80s to now having a wide range of treatment options, the ability to diagnose and treat cancer earlier, and even cure many different types of cancer – the evolution of cancer treatment and care has significantly evolved.

And our founders – Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Gerald Bayer – were first-hand witnesses of the evolution – and revolution – of cancer treatment.

“When hospice moved to taking care of patients in an outpatient setting, in their own home – it was a game-changer. ”– Dr. Skip McGovern

This week on Cancer Covered:

How cancer research has improved the life expectancy for patients over the last 40 years
Various cancer drugs our founders were glad to see retire
The most memorable cancer treatment developments that occurred over the course of their careers
What life was like for cancer patients in the late 70s and early 80s and how it has evolved over time
Patients experiencing nausea, fatigue, and hair loss following a round of cancer treatment
The number of patients admitted into the hospital to receive chemotherapy treatments

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Our Roots

Green Bay Oncology — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:00:14 -0500

Cancer has been around for over 20,000 years, but we’ve only been able to treat it for about the last century, and treating cancer had a bumpy start.

From the radical mastectomies and crude radiation treatments of the late 1800s to a chemotherapy treatment achieving the first cancer remission in 1948, the research has inspired the oncology community to continue to improve cancer treatment options. By the 1970s, it turned the public’s opinion of the oncology field from being a ‘fringe science’ into a highly respected, full-blown medical specialty. And with this increased credibility for the industry, Dr. Paul Koch founded Green Bay Oncology in 1976. He was the first medical oncologist in Northeastern Wisconsin and offered only 6 treatments with no partners. But that quickly changed. Today, Dr. Koch’s practice currently has 13 oncology doctors, offers hundreds of treatment options, and has helped over 60,000 cancer patients receive the treatment and care they deserve.

In this episode, we speak with Green Bay Oncology’s “Founding Fathers” – Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Gerald Bayer, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Skip McGovern. We discuss Green Bay Oncology’s humble beginnings and how treating cancer has significantly evolved over the last 45+ years. We discuss what inspired them to get involved in the oncology field and how they developed a system to treat patients quickly. They share what a typical workday was like in the early days of the practice and the strategies Paul and his partners used to grow the company over the years. We also discuss what it was like as an on-call doctor before the invention of cell phones, how technology has enabled us to improve the way we treat patients, and what they miss the most about working with patients since they’ve retired.

“I felt like I could make a difference.” – Dr. Skip McGovern

This week on Cancer Covered:

What inspired Paul, Jules, Skip, and Gerald to become oncology specialists
The number of cancer treatment drugs that were available in the 1970s
The strategy they adopted to treat patients quickly
The strategies they used to grow the practice
Going on the road to treat patients
What the typical workday was like when Green Bay Oncology began
What it was like as an on-call oncologist during the 1980s
What they miss the most about working in oncology since they’ve retired

We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Welcome to Cancer Covered

Green Bay Oncology — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 15:26:18 -0400

The practice of cancer medicine is complex and demanding. And like anything that takes practice, we’ll spend our whole lives trying to get it right. In each episode, the white coats come off as the dedicated men and women who take on cancer every day unpack the complexities of their work and share stories of how it’s done—and why they keep at it